Benin City, Nigeria – Supporters of former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata believe that a recent attack on him may have been an assassination attempt. Akpata, who is also a gubernatorial candidate for the Labour Party in the Edo State election, was violently attacked by students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). The incident occurred as campaigning for the September 21, 2024 election was set to begin following the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 24, 2024.
The violent attack took place during an interactive session organized by senior staff members of UNIBEN at their staff club. The event was disrupted by students under the leadership of the Students Union Government (SUG) president, King Lemuel, who expressed dissatisfaction with using students for campaign purposes at the staff club. Tensions escalated as the club’s president claimed autonomy from the university, exacerbating the situation.
Both Akpata and UNIBEN’s management condemned the violence, with UNIBEN setting up a committee to investigate the incident. Akpata, in a video addressing the attack, debunked allegations that his security personnel shot a student, stating that he and the club were the ones targeted, with professors threatened and one lecturer hospitalized as a result of the violence.
The SUG defended their actions, stating that they stormed the venue to ensure students were not present there and accused Akpata’s security aides of assaulting the director of sports. Akpata vowed to provide a detailed report to the police for appropriate action at the right time.
As the political climate in Edo State intensifies, with the upcoming election drawing near, the incident at UNIBEN highlights the potential for further unrest and conflict. The clash between Akpata’s supporters and UNIBEN students raises concerns about the use of campuses for political events and the need for a peaceful electoral process. The investigation into the attack will shed light on the motives behind the violence and the individuals involved.