Police confirm attack on Oshiomhole’s convoy

The police in Edo State on Friday blamed the students of the Institute of Technology and Management, Usen, for Thursday night’s armed attack on Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s convoy in the town.

Oshiomhole had held a rally in the town and was heading back to Benin City when his convoy was attacked.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Anthony Airhuoyo, said the police had commenced an investigation into the incident and the burning of a police station by the students.

The statement said Oshiomhole had met with the students briefly and promised to address them on his way back from his campaign before the attack.

The statement reads, “After the campaign at about 6.15 pm, the governor decided to address the students on another day because it was already getting late.

“But the students barricaded the expressway on the outskirts of Usen in order to compel the governor to visit their institution.

“When their demands could not be met, they resorted to throwing stones and other missiles at the governor’s convoy.

“In the process of dispersing the riotous students, two of them were injured and are currently receiving treatment.

“Nobody was killed in the process. The students later regrouped and went to Usen Police outpost and vandalised the place.

“Investigation has commenced as the area is closely being monitored by the police.”

In another statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Louis Odion, the Edo State Government alleged that thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party had opened fire on the governor’s convoy shortly after he paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of the area (Onogie) Oluogbe II, in his palace.

But the PDP promptly denied involvement in the attack through its Publicity Secretary in the state, Mathew Urhoghide.