The Edo State Police Command, yesterday, began an investigation into the violence leading to sporadic shooting at the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin on Wednesday.

Speaking in an interview, the Command’s spokesman, SP Moses Yamu, said the Command was investigating the incident and would bring the culprits to book.

There was a heavy presence of armed thugs, who converged on major link roads to the Edo State High Court complex in Benin, the venue of the tribunal sitting chanting “give us our mandate” during the violence on Wednesday.

The development forced Benin residents, including bystanders, indoors, while other road users plying the Benin High Court axis and around the Museum for West Africa Arts (MOWAA) construction site, scampered for safety.

The heavy presence of security personnel, who cordoned off various routes leading to the tribunal venue, helped to provide security during proceedings.

One unidentified man was seen in a viral video wearing a nose mask and white cap atop a black shirt underneath a white branded shirt marked AiO2, emerging from an unregistered white Toyota Hilux van, firing multiple shots into the air, causing panic among residents and creating a tensed atmosphere.

The state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emperor Jarret Tenebe, condemned the incident in a statement, describing it as deeply disturbing.

He said: “Resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable regardless of political affiliation.”

“Violence has no place in a civilised society, and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception.”

The Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Tony Aziegbemi, said the incident was a devious ploy to frustrate the party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), from reclaiming the mandate duly given to it by Edo State people in the September 21 governorship election at the tribunal.