The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the sporadic shooting that occured at the State Election Petitions Tribunal venue.
Naija News reports that the gunshots were fired near the venue of the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led, three-member Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal on Wednesday morning, sending lawyers, litigants, politicians, and reporters scrambling for safety.
The unexpected violence caused widespread panic as people fled in fear of being struck by stray bullets.
The disturbance occurred at the Edo High Court Complex on Sapele Road, Benin, where the tribunal was convened.
Reacting in a statement to Naija News the Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, called on security agents to apprehend those responsible.
He said: “Today’s shooting incident within the venue of the Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin City involving members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a deeply disturbing and unacceptable act of violence.
“The Tribunal is a sacred space where justice is meant to be administered impartially. Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved.
“Regardless of political affiliation, resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable. We must all condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms.
“Violence has no place in a civilized society, and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception.”