The situation on the day of the presidential election at Ward 12, in Oredo Local Government area of Edo State was far from being pleasant as some hoodlums launched an attack at the polling unit, thereby attacking Labour Party youth leader Godfrey Idahosa Aiyevebepken and other party agents were seriously attacked
It was gathered that the Labour Party members were attacked due to the popularity and strength of the Party.
The hoodlums believed to be members of other parties were alleged to be responsible for the attack. It was gathered that at about 11 o’clock on the 25th of February, the day of the presidential election, some hoodlums numbering came to a polling unit while others stood around to monitor the entrance and exit.
Eyewitnesses stated that about two or three of the suspected hoodlums went to where voting was going on and demanded to see the Labour Party youth leader, and one Mr. Godfrey Idahosa Aiyevebepken came out thinking it was the monitoring group of the party but the hoodlum immediately attacked him.
Many other polling units also experienced various degrees of violence in the ward where many were injured and some persons reportedly lost their lives in the ensuing violence. Sources also reported that the political thugs further went to the house of the said Mr. Godfrey Idahosa at upper mission extension, Uteh quarters at about 8 pm on the night of the 26th February, the day after the election.
Sources revealed that the wife of Mr Idahosa who opened the door was shot, sustained hand injuries and reportedly rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. Sources also said Mr Godfrey Idahosa escaped through the back door and his whereabouts remain unknown till the time of this report.
In view of the various attacks that were recorded during the election, many Nigerians have called on the security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the misdeeds and bring the perpetrators to book.
