On September 4th, 2024, Pastor Ehanire Peter Osazee , a prominent figure in Edo State’s Security Network (ESSN) community and a supporter of the Labour Party, faced a terrifying ordeal on his way home from a political campaign event. In this interview, he narrated the events that unfolded that night and the aftermath of this violent encounter.
Pastor Ehanire Peter Osazee , can you share what happened when you were returning home from the campaign?
Absolutely. It was a typical evening; I had just participated in a Labour Party governorship campaign in Ikpoba Okha. I was looking forward to a peaceful drive home when all of a sudden, I was ambushed by a group of armed men. They came out of nowhere, blocking my path with their vehicle.
That sounds incredibly frightening. What did they do next?
I was taken completely by surprise. They dragged me out of my car, started beating me mercilessly, and they kept saying I caused them their colleague at Odiguetue who was a herders man. It was chaos. It felt like a desperate situation. I realized I was in serious danger, and I feared for my life. They seemed intent on harming me and were highly aggressive.
How did you manage to escape such a dire situation?
It was nothing short of a miracle. Just as I thought the worst was about to happen, a police patrol van happened to pass by. I saw the armed men glancing nervously at the approaching officers. In that moment of distraction, they fled the scene and I was left alive but severely beaten and traumatized.
That intervention must have been a relief. What happened next?
The police officers rushed to my aid and quickly took me to the hospital. I was taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for treatment. They treated my wounds, but even there, I didn’t feel safe. The threat was still looming, and I had no idea if the attackers would come back.
Did you file a report about the incident?
Yes, I provided a detailed report to the police, and I trust they are investigating. However, this experience has left me shaken. It raises serious concerns about the growing insecurity in our state and community, and also to my life and family.
How has this affected you personally and your family?
On a personal level, it has been traumatic. I can’t shake off the fear and anxiety. As a member of the Edo state security Network and been a pastor, I always emphasize peace and safety, but now I’m living the opposite. I worry for my safety and I fear for my life.
but pastor, what do you hope will change in the future?
I hope that our leaders will take action to address the rising violence and insecurity. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own community and state. I plan to keep defending and protecting our society, advocating for change and uplifting those who feel voiceless in our society.
Thank you, Pastor Ehanire Peter Osazee for sharing your profoundly impactful story with us. We sincerely hope for your continued recovery and safety.
Thank you for having me. My hope is that by sharing this experience, we can help bring about the changes we desperately need.
