JUST IN: Edo Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu Attacked, Vehicle Destroyed

A campaign vehicle belonging to the deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has been vandalised by suspected hoodlums in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.

The incident reportedly happened on Sunday night after a meeting of the supporters of Shaibu in Illeh, Ward 10.

Recall that Philip Shaibu has made his intention to contest in the coming governorship election public.

Narrating the incident on phone, the coordinator of Shaibu’s campaign in the area, Otoide Abas, said the vandalised vehicle had been retrieved by the police. He added that he was at the police station.

According to him “We had just concluded a meeting with Ward 10 (Illeh) PDP faithful when the incident occurred. We started the meeting at about 5 p.m. and finished a few minutes before six.

“After the meeting, we went in the Sienna bus given to us by Comrade Shaibu to Ekpoma to meet with other supporters.”

The attack

Shaibu’s aide added: “We decided to make a quick stop at the local market square in Ekpoma to purchase some beef barbecue (suya).

“We were standing at the suya spot when we saw about seven boys come down from a bus packed close by.

“They started shooting. We ran for safety and they went to where we parked the bus and destroyed it.

“Police retrieved the vehicle that night. And as I am talking to you, I am in the police station because I was told to report today.”

Meanwhile, Shaibu said he had experienced numerous attempts to impede his campaign. He recently complained of alleged state-sponsored repeated vandalisation of his billboards.

However, he said, he remained committed to his mission of reclaiming the state from business-oriented individuals, who prioritise personal gains over the welfare of the people.