Edo Polls: Henry Okojie, Husband Of Mercy Johnson, Survives Assassination Attempt
On Friday, security personnel successfully foiled an assassination attempt on Hon. Henry Okojie, the federal lawmaker representing Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in Edo State. Okojie, who is also the husband of Nollywood star Mercy Johnson, was reportedly targeted by armed men suspected to be political thugs. The attack took place at Okojie’s residence, where the assailants arrived in a Lexus GX 470 bearing a Rivers State vehicle registration number—PHC 253 FF.
The incident was confirmed in a statement by Okojie’s media aide, Michael Ihaza. He detailed that the armed men, who disguised themselves as police officers, gained access to the lawmaker’s home under the guise of having an appointment. They were allowed into the sitting room of the residence but did not anticipate the swift reaction of the security personnel assigned to Okojie.
The statement noted that as the armed thugs began making their move, the security team acted quickly, confronting the group. Two of the attackers managed to escape, abandoning the vehicle and two accomplices behind. The driver of the vehicle and one other suspect were apprehended and handed over to the police for interrogation at the Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force in Uromi.
Preliminary investigations have uncovered crucial details, as the detained suspects reportedly made a confessional statement implicating leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Esan North East Local Government Area. According to the suspects, these political figures had allegedly orchestrated the attack, pointing to a potential political motive behind the assassination attempt.
This incident adds to the growing concerns over political violence in Nigeria, where tensions between rival parties often escalate, particularly during election periods or in regions with a strong political divide. Political thuggery has been a long-standing issue in various parts of the country, with hired thugs used by politicians to intimidate, harass, or even eliminate opponents.
Despite the gravity of the situation, efforts to obtain a formal response from the Edo State Police Command have been unsuccessful at the time of this report. The lack of an immediate comment raises questions about the handling of such politically sensitive cases, especially with potential high-profile figures allegedly involved.
For Okojie, this event not only represents an attempt on his life but also highlights the dangerous and often volatile nature of Nigerian politics, where rivalries can sometimes result in deadly confrontations. It also places further emphasis on the role of security personnel in safeguarding public officials who may be vulnerable to such attacks.
The swift intervention of Okojie’s security detail likely saved his life and avoided a tragic outcome. However, this attempt raises alarms about the broader issue of political violence and the influence of thuggery within Nigeria’s democratic processes. As investigations continue, many will be watching closely to see if the full extent of the conspiracy is unveiled, and whether those allegedly behind it will face justice.
In the meantime, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some actors in the political arena may go to secure power or settle scores, and the ever-present need for vigilance among public figures in the country. The implications of the suspects’ confession could reverberate within Edo State’s political circles, potentially leading to further developments in the coming days.
