Edo Guber: Akpata Fingers Edo Govt as Mastermind of Attack on Him in UNIBEN

The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Mr. Olumide Akpata, yesterday accused an unnamed senior official of the Edo State Government of masterminding an attack on him at the University of Benin on Friday afternoon.

But in a swift response, the Edo State Government has condemned in the strongest terms, the violent attack on Akpata during his visit to the University of Benin on Friday

In a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, the state government noted that claims and counterclaims have been made by Akpata and the Student Union Government (SUG) of the University adding that an active investigation is ongoing on the issue.

It warned that it would not tolerate violence or this sort of irresponsible behaviour which was associated with the visit of Akpata to the institution.

Akpata was a guest at an interactive session organised by the University of Benin Senior Staff Club, which was violently interrupted, causing pandemonium within the school premises.

This is as SUG of the University of Benin in a statement titled: ‘Update on Security Threats and Institutional Disregard’, which was signed by its President, King

Lemuel, and Secretary, Comrade Eriamiatoe Miracle, also kicked against using students for the campaign at the staff club, noting that the President of UNIBEN Senior Staff Club is also being questioned by the appropriate authority.

The SUG alleged that the union was never informed about the interactive session involving the Labour Party’s candidate, adding that the school security was not aware of any authorisation of such a meeting.

Akpata in a viral video released yesterday said a senior lecturer who sustained injury as a result of the attack is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Benin.