Edo election: Nigerian Army intervenes as police collude with APC thugs to cause havoc at INEC office Benin
Reports from Benin, Edo state indicate that the Nigerian Army was forced to dislodge All Progressives Congress (APC) thugs who laid siege to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office late Tuesday evening.
The thugs had been causing chaos in the area while police officers, stood by without intervening, raising serious concerns about police complicity in the violence.
Eyewitnesses say the scenario that played out in Rivers is happening in Edo as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has asked police operatives in the state to allow the APC thugs free hands to run riot.
Recall that Egbetokun ordered police operatives guarding Rivers’ local government secretariats to withdraw to give room for Nyesom Wike supporters to burn down the secretariats.
The APC thugs arrived at the INEC office earlier in the evening, attempting to disrupt proceedings and intimidate electoral staff.
The situation quickly spiralled out of control as the thugs continued to cause unrest, forcing the Nigerian Army to step in around 8:30 pm to restore order.
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According to a source at the scene, “It was chaotic. The thugs had been terrorizing the area for hours, and the police did nothing. It wasn’t until the Army arrived that things finally started to calm down.”
The military’s intervention, though belated, was effective in dispersing the violent elements, providing a much-needed sense of relief to the staff and observers at the INEC office.
However, the fact that the police did not act sooner has sparked outrage among various political and civil society groups, who accuse IGP Egbetokun of colluding with the ruling APC.
The inaction of the police during the hours-long disruption has cast a shadow over IGP Egbetokun’s leadership and the impartiality of law enforcement in Edo State.
Critics argue that the police force, which should have been maintaining order, instead turned a blind eye to the thuggery unfolding under its watch.
“The silence and inaction of the police under IGP Egbetokun are telling. It’s a clear indication that they are working hand in glove with the APC to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation,” said a political analyst who wished to remain anonymous.
“This is a blatant violation of democratic principles, and it should not be allowed to stand,” he added.
Several political figures and organizations have condemned the incident, calling for an investigation into the police’s conduct and demanding accountability from those responsible.
Civil society groups have also voiced their concerns, with one prominent activist, Ogie Ejehi, leader of the Young Edo Professionals Group, condemning the police’s lack of action.
His wordS: “We cannot have a situation where the police, who are supposed to protect citizens and uphold the law, are seen as collaborators in violence. This sets a dangerous precedent, especially as we approach the upcoming governorship elections.”
Following the incident both in Rivers and Edo states, there have been growing calls for IGP Egbetokun to step down.
Many see his leadership as compromised, with critics pointing to the latest events as evidence of his inability to impartially enforce law and order.
A spokesperson for the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections stated, “We have lost confidence in IGP Egbetokun’s ability to oversee an impartial police force.
“His failure to act against the APC thugs in Rivers and Edo States is a clear dereliction of duty. We demand his immediate resignation and a full investigation into the police force’s role in these events.”
