The Edo State Civil Society Situation Room, condemns in very strong terms the recent violence between thugs of rival political parties, in which a life was lost and persons injured.The warlike shooting which occurred at Airport Road barely outside the exit gate of the Benin Airport, casts very ominous clouds on the expectations of a free and fair Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
That a law officer, a police personnel on lawful duty, was killed by thugs in broad daylight in Benin reveals the level of confidence which these criminal elements exude.
Over the years, this brazen intimidation of civil order has been common in Edo State. Even when election results are accommodated in the final appraisal, our past is replete with election day violence. That this uncouth indulgence is linked to political actors in high places makes the issue very worrisome.
While we will not bother with details of allegations against specific persons, we view this happening as a reflection of the character ethic that will define the conduct of our politicians in the election of September 21, 2024.
Using this as a caveat, we expect the relevant institutions that are saddled with the duty of ensuring civil order to rise to the challenge of curtailing the recklessness of our politicians
We expect the Nigerian Police to commence a thorough investigation of the uncivilised indulgence at the Airport Road and every person who is found guilty arraigned to face the law. Justice must be served on the guilty to deliver deterrence and retribution.
By the speedy delivery of the law, people with this evil temperament would be discouraged from continuing in this diabolical activity.
Bothering on the election of September 21, 2024, we call on the Nigerian police and its coordinate agencies like the Directorate of State Services (DSS) to ensure that the safety and security of the citizenry is guaranteed throughout the election period from pre-election activities to voting day.
We emphasise that the way the very ugly shooting incident is handled by the law enforcement institutions would go a long way in affecting the dominant narrative as it concerns the election process of September 21, 2024
We insist that whoever is involved in the melee that led to the death of a policeman who was on escort duties at the Airport must be arrested and prosecuted as appropriate within the bounds of the law.
We commiserate with the family of the slain police officer, the Commissioner of Police Edo State, and the Inspector General of Police as the nation mourns yet another fallen hero.
Mrs Abiola Daisy Igaga
Chairperson, Edo State Civil Society Situation Room