Thugs went on the rampage on Thursday in Benin, the Edo State capital, beating a worker in a fast food joint to coma.
The incident happened during the defection of a former National Assembly member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The worker was left in a pool of blood at a popular fast food complex close to the APC secretariat along the Airport Road.
The event was at the defection of the former PDP lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, West Idahosa, to the APC in the state.
It was learnt that the suspected thugs had swooped on the man for refusing to allow an APC chieftain and Commissioner for Oil and Gas in the state, Mr. Iriogbe Isimemen, to park his official car in front of the fast food business premises.
It was in the heat of argument and the man’s resistance that suspected thugs descended on him, a development that left him with severe wounds.
The victim was later rushed to the hospital for urgent treatment as blood gushed out endlessly from his face and nose following a deep hole in his forehead.
West Idahosa is a three time legislator in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
Sources said his defection to the APC may not be far from his ambition to contest for the Edo South senatorial constituency seat in 2015.
He is believed to have huge financial muscle to beat any aspirant including the incumbent Senator Ehigie Uzamere who is rumoured to be eyeing the governorship position of the state in 2016 and may also dump the APC for the PDP.
West Idahosa told the party faithful: “I have served for twelve years in the National Assembly and I think of the progressives and also carry out all my dealings as a progressive. As a progressive, I believe the people are entitled to energy, good road, good school, water, good health and other facilities.
“For many years, the progressives have tried very hard to put a platform together, but in 2013, they made history against all obstructions, against all obstacles to put this platform together the All Progressive Congress and I say, it is time for change”
Idahosa said throughout his tenure in the House of Representatives for 12 years, his voice was heard loud and clear for the progressives, adding that he was even suspended for his progressive ideas.
He said he had no regret over the suspension, stressing that his belief was that Nigerians are entitled to gainful employment, energy, water, good roads and other social amenities.
Welcoming him into the APC, state Chairman of the party, Chief Osaro Idah, simply said that he was welcome back home, adding that the party will give all its members who want to contest for elective positions equal opportunity to realise their dreams.
