A middle aged man, Jeffrey Oronsaye on Wednesday,11,2023 escaped lynching, following a mob attack on him at his residence located in 32, Osarunmwese Street, Ogida Quarters in Benin City,
Jeffrey Oronsaye was reportedly been trapped in his home by the rampaging youths of the area who accused him of being involved in bisexual activities in the area, an act considered as a taboo in the area.
Other accounts have it that, Jeffrey came under attack by hired gun wielding miscreants who invaded his house having subdued his security guard, and gained entry into his house ostensibly to kill him for daring to indicate interest in the contest for the Egor State constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly election.
The Reliance investigation revealed that the attackers were said to have been on his trail before they struck on Wednesday, but he was however lucky to have escaped before the assailants could gain entry into his apartment.
Penultimate week, when our Reporter visited the residence of the embattled politician in Egor, the house was already deserted as his immediate family had already fled to unknown locations for fear that the attackers may return.
A neighbour who did not want his name mentioned, confirmed the incident, saying that Jeffrey was lucky to have escaped with his life.
“The political thugs came here to attack Mr. Oronsaye but we thank God he was able to escape before they could reach him. They were saying all sorts of things against him. They also accused him of involvement in homosexuality.
“It is obvious that his political enemies are at work. How can someone who is happily married be involved in homosexuality? They just want to destroy him politically”, he said.
Incidences of political violence and intimidation have become a common place in the nation’s political space with rival political parties’ candidates being at each other’s jugulars, deploying varied instruments of violence and intimidation to gain advantage.
The Divisional Police in Ogida, Edo state, said they have begun investigation into the matter, but that no arrest has yet been made.
As at the time of filing this report, Jeffrey Oronsaye who is also the convener of the Youth Agitation For Good Governance, could not be reached for comments as his whereabouts remains unknown.
About Author
