In the early hours of Sunday, September 22, 2024, political tension escalated in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, as heavily armed thugs launched a violent attack on the collation centre for the recently concluded September 21 Governorship Election.

The attackers, reportedly affiliated with the APC, opened fire at the centre, leaving chaos in their wake.

Among those injured in the attack was Hon Benji Ojietu, the Vice Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area, who sustained gunshot wounds.

Witnesses at the scene revealed that the armed thugs stormed the collation centre, disrupting the process and seizing election materials.

As panic ensued, security personnel stationed at the centre scattered for safety, unable to repel the assault.

In the aftermath, Hon Benji Ojietu was rushed to a nearby hospital by Hon Gallant Commander Sylvanus Oshioke Peters Idamieh Eruaga, also known as Double, a former Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, along with other concerned individuals present during the attack.

The incident has raised concerns about the security of electoral processes in the region, as election materials were carted away by the assailants.

The attack has also sparked fears of further violence as political tensions rise following the governorship election.

As authorities investigate the incident, calls for better protection of election personnel and voters are growing across the state.