Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, the federal lawmaker representing the Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in Edo State and husband to Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson, reportedly survived an assassination attempt at his residence in Uromi on Friday, September 20.
According to a statement by his media aide, Michael Ihaza, the attack was carried out by armed men suspected to be political thugs disguised as police officers. The assailants claimed to have an appointment with Okojie and were allowed into his sitting room before attempting the attack.
“The intervention of the security personnel attached to the lawmaker thwarted the assassination attempt,” the statement said. Two of the armed men fled the scene, but the driver and another accomplice were apprehended and are currently being interrogated by officers from the Nigeria Police Force in Uromi.
The suspects reportedly confessed to being sent by leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Esan North-East Local Government Area, Ihaza further disclosed.
The incident has raised concerns over the rising tension in the state as political activities continue to heat up ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
