...Family alleges political thugs behind violence, seeks urgent prosecution
By Lekan Lisoye
The family of slain Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Mr. Ogundipe Michael, has called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the deadly attack that claimed his life in Zaki Biam, Benue State.
The demand followed a violent ambush allegedly carried out by suspected political thugs after a Labour Party rally in the community, an incident which has heightened political tension and renewed concerns over election-related violence in the state.
According to reports, the attack occurred on October 27, 2022, shortly after party officials and supporters concluded a political rally in Zaki Biam. Among those attacked was the Labour Party Publicity Secretary and Youth Leader, Mr. Atohengbe George Osagie, who narrowly escaped death after suffering severe injuries.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that Osagie and his associates were leaving the rally venue when their vehicle was intercepted by armed hoodlums believed to be affiliated with rival political interests.
The attackers reportedly dragged Osagie out of the vehicle and subjected him to a brutal beating, leaving him unconscious.
Sources said the assailants abandoned him at the scene after allegedly assuming he was dead.
However, Mr. Ogundipe Michael was not as fortunate, as he reportedly sustained fatal injuries during the attack and died shortly afterwards.
A resident who witnessed the aftermath of the incident described the scene as horrifying.
“They were beaten mercilessly and abandoned on the road. It was a terrible sight. We never believed anyone could survive such an assault,” the witness said.
The victims were later rushed to a nearby hospital by sympathisers, where Osagie was revived and placed under intensive medical care.
Speaking through associates and sympathisers, the bereaved family of Michael expressed deep pain over what they described as a “cold-blooded political killing,” insisting that justice must not be delayed.
The family urged the Benue State Police Command to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure all perpetrators are brought to book, regardless of their political affiliations.
Community leaders and political observers have also condemned the attack, warning that the growing trend of political violence poses a grave threat to democracy and peaceful participation in the electoral process.
They stressed that failure to arrest and prosecute those behind the attack could embolden criminal elements and further endanger lives ahead of future elections.
As of the time of filing this report, no official arrest had been announced by security authorities, while efforts to obtain reactions from the leadership of the APC and PDP in Benue State were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, tension continues to mount within the community as residents and political supporters await decisive action from law enforcement agencies over the killing.
No comments:
Post a Comment