Edo APC, PDP chairmen clash over gunshots near Edo tribunal venue
The chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, clashed on Wednesday following a gunfire incident near the venue of the governorship election petitions tribunal in Benin City.
Gunshots were reportedly fired by gunmen in a white Toyota Hilux van on Ezoti Street, close to the Edo High Court Complex, where the tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, was sitting.
A viral video showed the chaotic scene as lawyers, litigants, politicians, and journalists rushed to safety to avoid stray bullets.
The situation was quickly brought under control by heavily armed security operatives, allowing the tribunal proceedings to continue.
In response to the incident, Tenebe condemned the shootings, accusing members of the PDP of being responsible.
He called the act “deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” further escalating tensions between the two major political parties in the state.
Tenebe stated: “The tribunal is a sacred space where justice is meant to be administered impartially. Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved.
“Regardless of political affiliation, resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable. We must all condemn the shootings in the strongest possible terms.”
The Edo chairman of the APC also asserted that violence has no place in a civilised society while declaring that those responsible for the heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception.
