The Labour Party has called on the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged failed attempted murder and kidnapping of its National Youth Leader, Comr. Eragbe Anslem.
The party accused former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata and factional national chairman, Julius Abure, of orchestrating the attack in Benin, Edo State.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi at a a press conference condemned what he called political intolerance and acts of terrorism directed at the party’s officials.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Anslem and other party loyalists were reportedly beaten severely while on official duty, prompting the LP to label the attackers as ‘Obidiots’ and condemn their undemocratic conduct.
Arabambi alleges that Governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, in collaboration with Abure through Akpata, was fueling a crisis within the party.
According to him, the attackers, described as “Abure’s attack dogs,” were reportedly mobilised to disrupt Edo state congresses, creating a sense of fear as the party approaches its governorship primary in February 2024.
The LP accuses Akpata of being a mole within the party, claiming that he orchestrated the attack to undermine the LP’s internal processes.
He explained that the situation escalated when the whereabouts of Comr. Anslem could not be ascertained,adding that disturbing reports suggest that he sustained severe injuries with his skull broken and brain exposed, highlighting the gravity of the assault.
“Unconfirmed reports indicate that the kidnapped individuals were taken to Kelly Ogbaloi’s residence before being led to an unknown destination by Sam Uropa.
“Urgent calls have been made to President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to direct the IGP and DSS to launch an aerial manhunt and surveillance to free the hostages from the clutches of thugs loyal to the former NBA President.”
In a surprising twist, the LP questioned Akpata’s involvement, emphasizing the noble history of the NBA as a non-profit organization engaged in the promotion and protection of human rights, the rule of law, and good governance.
The LP expressed dismay at a former president being implicated in attempted murder and kidnapping, highlighting the need for an unprecedented investigation.
He stressed the urgency of a police investigation and prosecution, labelling the incident a serious attempted murder.
The LP, under the leadership of Alhaji Lamidi Apapa, vowed not to be deterred by the actions of Akpata and Abure, affirming their commitment to retrieving the party from what they described as forgers, criminal conspirators, and fraudsters.
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