Two persons died on Thursday evening in Edo State while celebrating the declaration of the Action Congress governorship candidate, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, as the winner of the April 14, 2007 Edo State Election Petition Tribunal.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Peter Ogboi, who confirmed the deaths to Saturday Punch on Friday, said the deceased met their deaths in motorcycle accidents. One of the incidents occurred at Jato, a town near the village of Oshiomhole in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, while the other happened at Auchi, the headquarters of the local government area.
Ogboi said though he was still awaiting detailed briefing from Auchi, the divisional police headquarters, both deceased persons were commercial motorcycle operators. More than seven people were critically injured along Ehaekpen Street, Benin City on Friday morning when some youths in celebration mood ran their vehicles into each other. Details of their state were still sketchy but witnesses said they were taken to hospital for treatment.
The entire state was thrown into celebration on Thursday evening after the tribunal headed by Mr. Justice Peter Umeadi, nullified the election of Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, and declared Oshiomhole the winner of the election. While Oshiomhole hailed the verdict, Osunbor said he was disappointed and would soon head for the Court of Appeal. He said he and his party men would not give in to the intimidation of the opposition and urged the people to remain peaceful.
Our correspondent reports that calm to returned to the streets of Benin after tumultuous celebrations held down the ancient city late into Thursday night.