Edo State, Nigeria — Less than 24 hours before the highly anticipated Edo Governorship Election, federal lawmaker Henry Okojie narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in what is believed to be a politically motivated attack. Okojie, who represents the Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, is also the husband of popular Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson.
The attack occurred at Okojie’s residence when gunmen, believed to be political thugs, attempted to storm the property. The assailants arrived in a Lexus GX 470 with a Rivers State license plate number—PHC 253 FF—and gained entry by posing as law enforcement officers.
Fortunately, quick action by Okojie’s security detail thwarted the assassination attempt. Two of the assailants managed to flee the scene, while the driver and another suspect were apprehended and are now in police custody. The suspects are reportedly being interrogated by officers from the Nigeria Police Force at the Uromi Area Command.
Michael Ihaza, Okojie’s media aide, confirmed the attack in a statement. “The armed thugs, who disguised as police officers, invaded the residence of Hon. Okojie, claiming to be on an appointment. They proceeded into the sitting room, but due to the intervention of security personnel, two of them fled. However, we have apprehended the driver and one other suspect,” Ihaza said.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspects have made confessional statements, alleging that they were dispatched by political leaders from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Esan North-East Local Government Area. The suspects’ claims are currently under further investigation.
Henry Okojie, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is serving his constituency in the 10th National Assembly. His narrow escape adds to growing concerns about electoral violence as Edo State heads to the polls.
The attack comes amidst heightened tensions between political parties in Edo, with many fearing that incidents like this could mar the election process. Security agencies have been put on high alert across the state in anticipation of potential unrest as the gubernatorial race enters its final hours.
This assassination attempt raises broader concerns about political violence in Nigeria, where elections are often fraught with security challenges. However, authorities have assured the public that they are taking the necessary steps to ensure a peaceful and transparent election.