By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
A member of the House of Representatives, Billy Osawaru, has dismissed allegations linking the Edo State Government to Tuesday’s attack on the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Osawaru, who represents Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, said no security agency had connected the February 24 incident in Benin City to Governor Monday Okpebholo or any state official.
“It is dangerous to insinuate state-sponsored violence without proof,” he said, warning against statements capable of inflaming political tensions.
The controversy followed reports that Obi, alongside former All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun and other African Democratic Congress leaders, was allegedly attacked by suspected gunmen during a political visit to Edo State.
While condemning the attack, Osawaru cautioned against assigning blame before investigations are concluded, stressing that accusations must be backed by verifiable facts. He also warned against “trial by media,” noting that politicising the incident could undermine security efforts.
He defended a July 2025 security advisory issued by the governor requiring politically exposed persons to notify authorities before large public engagements, describing it as a standard safety measure rather than an act of hostility.
Osawaru called for a thorough and impartial investigation, expressing confidence that the findings would clear the state government of any wrongdoing and urging political actors to prioritise peace.
