Attack on Labour Party Candidate’s Family Leaves One Hospitalized, Three Missing In Edo

In a shocking incident in Benin City, the Edo State capital, Mr. Felix Omosigho, a retired University of Benin staff member and a prominent politician, was hospitalized after an attack on his family by unknown assailants.

The attack, believed to be linked to political motives, left his three children missing.

The violence erupted following Mr. Omosigho’s decision to switch allegiance from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Labour Party (LP). This move, sources stated, was spurred by his son, Henry Omosigho, being overlooked as a candidate for the APC’s primary elections. Henry subsequently announced his intention to run for the Edo State governorship under the LP banner, which may have triggered the attack.

On September 5, 2023, gunmen, suspected to be political thugs and cult members, invaded the family home at No. 4, Osazuwa Street, off Uwelu Road in Benin City. During the assault, Felix Omosigho sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

Mrs. Bridget Omosigho, Felix’s wife, expressed her fears for the family’s safety and urged law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to apprehend the attackers. She described the ordeal as traumatic, leaving the family in a state of distress and uncertainty.

Checks by our correspondent revealed that Felix Omosigho remains critically ill in the hospital, while the whereabouts of his children identified as Henry Omosigho, Frank U. Omosigho and Osagbemwenorhue Omosigho remain unknown. The community and Labour Party are demanding for justice, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Confirming the bloody attack, Public Relations Officer for Edo State police Command SP Chidi Nwabuzor described the incident as unfortunate and urged the family of Omosigho to be vigilance while investigation continues.

SP Nwabuzo said no suspects have been arrested even as he appealed to members of the public to volunteer information that would lead to arrest of the gunmen.