The Edo State Police Command has heightened security at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Benin City following escalating tensions and violent clashes during the first week of hearings. The tribunal, which is being held at the High Court Complex on Sapele Road, has experienced disturbances, including shootings and attempts by thugs to disrupt proceedings.

The election results from last September’s governorship race are being contested by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties.

Edo State Police spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed that additional officers had been deployed to maintain order and prevent further disturbances. Yamu emphasized the police’s responsibility to ensure peace at the tribunal, stating, “It is our responsibility to ensure there’s no breach of peace at the tribunal and adequate deployment have been made in this regard. The message remains the same: Let the game be played according to the rules.”

Earlier, on January 16, 2025, the Edo State Police issued a statement addressing a viral video showing a man firing shots in the air from a white Hilux vehicle in the state. The police clarified that no shooting incident occurred at the High Court during the January 15 tribunal sitting, as adequate security was in place to prevent any law and order breaches.

Despite this, the state police commissioner, Umoru Ozigi, ordered an investigation into the viral video to identify the shooter and determine the incident’s location, with the aim of prosecuting the individual involved.