BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Labour Party (LP), governorship candidate in the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial election, Barrister Olumide Akpata formally invited by police over alleged security breaches, involving shootings at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ugbowo Campus, has finally honored the invitation.
Akpata who was reportedly invited by the police three weeks ago, showed up at the State police Command headquarters where he was said to have chatted briefly with senior officials, Monday.
He was also said to have left thereafter saying he was going to Abuja to return another day.
The spokesman for the Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor disclosed this to our correspondent in an exclusive chat in his office in Benin City on Tuesday.
SP Nwabuzor explained that Barrister Olumide Akpata was invited in order for investigators to have an overview of what actually transpired as the LP gubernatorial candidate doesn’t really have a case to answer.
He stated further that the complainant, the President of UNIBEN Staff Club was absent at the station when Barrister Olumide Akpata arrived with his aides.
SP Nwabuzor added that the two persons including a lecturer at the university injured during the crisis have long been treated and the wounds healed.
Inside source hinted that as part of ongoing investigation into claims made by some individuals, a comprehensive medical report on whether injuries sustained are gunshot inflicted or not has been requested from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), which reportedly handed the treatment.
It could not be ascertained at press time why it took Barrister Olumide Akpata this space of time to respond to police invite.
Our correspondent checks at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Political Desk handling the case revealed that the LP gubernatorial flagbearer has been in regular touch with the operatives.
Recall that Barrister Olumide Akpata had on Friday, April 12, 2024 attended an investiture ceremony on the invitation of UNIBEN Staff Club, but the event turned violent, when the venue was invaded by some persons whom the Apkata campaign alleged were agents of the PDP-controlled State Government with the intention to assassinate him.
In a swift reaction to the incident, the Edo State government through the Hon Commissioner, Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare condemned the clash.
“The Edo State Government condemns in the strongest terms the violence associated with the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Olumide Akpata’s visit to the University of Benin on Friday, April 12, 2024.
“Claims and counterclaims have been made by Mr. Akpata and the Student Union Government (SUG) of the University in statements issued by both parties on April 13, and active investigation is ongoing on the issue.
“The Edo State Government, however, warns in the strongest terms that it will not tolerate violence or this sort of irresponsible behaviour which was associated with the visit of Mr. Akpata to the institution”, the Edo government said.
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