In a tragic turn of events, the Nigerian Police Force has officially declared Mr. Samson Edenojie, the Youth Leader of the Labour Party in Esan North East Local Government Area, Uromi, wanted in connection with the death of Mr. Ezekiel Arobonosen, the youth leader of the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC). The incident, which has sent shockwaves throughout the community, unfolded during a political rally that ended in violence.
On February 2, 2023, the usually quiet streets of Uromi were charged with tension as Labour Party supporters gathered for a rally to bolster support for their presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. What began as a spirited display of political solidarity soon spiraled out of control when members of the Labour Party clashed with rival APC supporters. The two groups, representing opposing political factions, had been engaged in a bitter rivalry leading up to the rally, each vying for dominance in the region.
As the rally progressed, verbal confrontations between the two camps quickly escalated into physical violence. The atmosphere became chaotic, with both sides engaging in a brutal fight. Amid the melee, Mr. Ezekiel Arobonosen, the APC Esan North East Local Government Area campaign leader, was fatally injured.
Reports indicate that Mr. Arobonosen had been at the forefront of the APC’s efforts to counter the influence of the Labour Party in the region, making him a high-profile target during the confrontation.
In the aftermath of the violence, the community was thrown into a state of panic, with many fearing further reprisals. Opposition leaders who had attended the rally reportedly fled the scene, fearing for their lives. Some of these leaders, recognizing the growing unrest and potential danger, abandoned the rally as the violence intensified, leaving behind their supporters to grapple with the fallout. The swift retreat of these leaders has raised questions about the level of coordination and preparedness within the opposing political camps.
As the dust settled, police launched a thorough investigation into the death of Mr. Arobonosen. Several individuals, including members of both political parties, were arrested in connection with the violent clash.
However, police efforts to locate Mr. Samson Edenojie, who had been instrumental in organizing the Labour Party rally, have so far been unsuccessful. Despite repeated attempts to contact him, Mr. Edenojie remains at large, prompting authorities to issue a public appeal for information regarding his whereabouts.
The Nigerian Police have urged members of the public to assist in their search for Mr. Edenojie, warning that anyone found harboring him will face legal consequences. The Area Command Division in Uromi, Edo State, remains the central point for any leads related to the ongoing investigation.
