Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, has accused a senior government official of orchestrating an attack on him and other participants during an interactive session organized by the University of Benin Staff Club.
The incident, which occurred last Friday at the university, saw the event violently disrupted, leading to chaos on the premises.
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In a widely circulated video released on Saturday, Akpata revealed that a senior lecturer, injured during the attack, was receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed Benin hospital.
Akpata vehemently denied allegations that his security personnel shot a UNIBEN student, stating, “I only wished that the individual could show his face to determine the veracity of his story.”
Describing the interruption as “rude,” Akpata recounted the incident, which saw hoodlums claiming to be university students disrupting the event, demanding prior notification.
He highlighted the shock experienced by attendees, including professors, and praised security agents for safely escorting him past the barricade erected by the hoodlums.
Accusing certain “old and very tired politicians” of instigating the disruption, Akpata directly addressed the senior government official allegedly involved, warning against misinformation and affirming his presence during the attack.
However, the Edo State Government swiftly condemned the assault on Akpata at the university.
Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, emphasized ongoing investigations into the incident and warned against violence or irresponsible behavior associated with Akpata’s visit.
Meanwhile, the university’s management also denounced the attack, pledging to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the disturbance.
