An activist and coordinator of Edo North Unity Worldwide, Okhai Okhani, was reportedly assaulted and severely brutalised by armed vigilantes in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Saturday.
The assault, which occurred at the venue of a stakeholders’ summit organised by Okhani for political office holders in Edo North to present their scorecards, was captured in a viral video circulating online.
Currently receiving treatment in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital in the state, Okhani is calling on the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Edo State Government to investigate the incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure justice is served.
Speaking to newsmen via telephone on Monday, Okhani narrated how more than 50 armed vigilantes and thugs stormed the summit venue, destroyed materials, and assaulted participants. He said banners representing achievements of different local governments in Edo North were also torn down.
According to him, the event is an annual platform aimed at assessing and honouring political leaders who have contributed meaningfully to the development of their constituencies.
Okhani noted that invitations had been extended to prominent politicians including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Peter Akpatason, Anamero Sunday, Hussein Mustapher, and others. He added that the summit venue was formally approved by the Acting Chairman of Etsako West LGA, Valentine Okuilagwe.
He alleged that the attack was politically motivated and was carried out by actors who felt threatened by the planned assessments.
He said, “Shortly before the event commenced, a group of vigilantes and thugs arrived on motorcycles and without any provocation, assaulted participants, damaging equipment, and beating me to pulp.
“I recognised some of the vigilante members. They descended on me and my colleagues, beat us up with matchets and clubs and even captured the violence on video.
“They threw me into their waiting Hilux vehicle where they continued to brutalise me with the butts of their rifles.
“They took me to the Auchi Area Command of the Nigeria Police where I was detained for over four hours without formal charges. They falsely claimed that my venue was not approved for the event. Yet the venue, a public event centre was officially approved.
“At the command, officers were worried by the critical condition and the police released me to my wife to seek medical treatment.”
Okhani condemned what he called a politically motivated assault and expressed concern over the growing misuse of local vigilante groups by powerful political interests in Edo North.
He added, “I am in pain. My ribs, my head ache badly. These men dragged me to an unknown location before deciding to hand me over to the Area Commander, ACP Lawrence Adjihu, and his deputy, CSP Albert Udeme.”
He called on the public for support and prayers, and urged the Edo State Government to take steps to prevent the abuse of power by vigilante groups, while also demanding that all those responsible for the attack be brought to book.
Confirming the incident, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Iyamu, stated that the command had launched an investigation.
He said, “The command is aware of the incident and has commenced an investigation into the matter.”
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