From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin
Suspended Deputy Speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Festus Ebea, and two other members of the Assembly belonging to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), got a close shave with death on yesterday, after they were allegedly attacked by suspected gunmen.
Minority Leader of the Assembly, Hon Emmanuel Okoduwa, and Hon Patrick Iluobe were the two other lawmakers.
One of the suspected hoodlums may have died in the attack which occurred at Abudu, headquarters of Orhionmwon local government of the state, according to a source.
The lawmakers were said to be returning from Ebele, Igueben local government area of the state, where they had attended the investiture ceremony by the Anglican Church in honour of PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Anthony Anenih, when tragedy struck.
One of the lawmakers told newsmen that they were all inside a sport utility vehicle (SUV) belonging to one of the lawmakers, when the hoodlums waylaid their convoy at Abudu, and launched the attack.
Edo state Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, clarified that the lawmakers were just ahead of them when the incident happened. He said it was obvious that the lawmakers were the target of the attack.
Orbih, said the incident has since been reported to the police.