Family Raises Alarm Over Assassination Attempts In Edo

The bereaved family of a politician Roland Aikoregie,68, killed in Benin last year has raised an alarm over repeated assassination attempts on the life of his son Nelson Osarumwense across Nigeria.

Detailing the tragic incident to our correspondent in Benin, Efosa Aikoregie, younger brother of the slain sexagenarian said since the gruesome murder of his elder brother, his nephew, Nelson Osarumwense Aikoregie had suffered multiple assassination attempts on his life.

Despite formally reporting the threats to the police, Efosa expressed frustration over the lack of protective measures for the family particularly Nelson Osarumwense who has been forced into hiding.

Mr. Efosa further said that his brother Mr. Roland Aikoregie was strangled by persons believed to be connected to a rival political party who invaded his private residence at 5 Amieghomwan Street, Off Owina Road, Uzebu Quarters, Benin City about 9pm on November 5, 2022.

“I was told that the killers of my brother searched for his son Nelson Osarumwense in the house, and upon failing to find him, they killed my brother.

“They vandalised his building and carted away valuable records of his political party kept in custody of his son Nelson who is my brother’s personal assistant.

“Since the ugly incident, the family has been receiving threats forcing Nelson Osarumwense to go into hiding. He narrowly escaped being killed in an attack last June when armed men disguised as his guests to access the hotel he lodged in Benin City.

“The family just buried my brother last weekend, yesterday, again, Nelson, his wife and children sustained varying degrees of injuries when they were attacked while driving to a friend’s house in Aduwawa axis of Benin.

“Yes the police is aware. I told you we had earlier laid formal report. As I speak I have not seen my nephew, his wife said he was advised to run for his life as he may not be that lucky next time. Sir, it’s not unconnected with the issue my late brother had with his political party before last governorship election in Edo”, Mr. Efosa stated.

Nelson Osarumwense could not be reached for comment.

Contacted, the Public Relations Officer for Edo State police Command SP Chidi Nwabuzor said the case of murder and threat to life reported by one Efosa Aikoregie is now being investigated by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), police Command headquarters, Benin City.

He enjoined Nelson Osarumwense Aikoregie and his family to remain vigilance while investigation lasted.