The Edo State Government has strongly condemned the violent attack on the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, during his visit to the University of Benin (UNIBEN) on Friday, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, the government expressed deep concern over the incident, stressing its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state.
Nehikhare stated, “The Edo State Government condemns in the strongest terms the violence associated with the Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata’s visit to the University of Benin on Friday, April 12, 2024. Claims and counterclaims have been made by Akpata and the Student Union Government of the university in statements issued by both parties on April 13, and an active investigation is ongoing on the issue.”
He further warned that the government would not tolerate any form of violence or irresponsible behaviour, adding that its primary responsibility is to ensure the security of lives and property in the state.
Nehikhare assured that those found culpable of breaching the peace would face the full weight of the law.
“Government has the primary responsibility to ensure the security of lives and property in the state and will spare no effort to ensure that anyone who breaches the peace, no matter how highly placed, will face the full weight of the law.
“We hereby call on all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses without letting relevant agencies progress with their investigation into the said matter,” Nehikhare added.
The statement comes in the wake of accusations by Akpata, who alleged that a senior government official of the Edo State government masterminded the attack on him during an interactive session organised by the University of Benin Staff Club.
The disruption of the event led to a crisis within the school premises.
