Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, the Principal Private Secretary of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, has been shot dead.
Oyerinde was shot overnight in his residence in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
Sources told The Eagle Online that he was shot in the heart.
Though he was rushed to the hospital after his attackers left, with the hope of keeping him alive, it was learnt that he died on the spot as he was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
It was gathered that Oyerinde is a key official in the government of Oshiomhole.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Louis Odion, had, a few weeks ago, raised the alarm that arrangements had been concluded to eliminate him (Odion) by some elements in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
Last week, Odion, who is serving in an Action Congress of Nigeria-produced government, said some armed men actually went to his house but he was not in.
He said it took the intervention of neighbours before the invaders left.
The state’s gubernatorial election is scheduled for July 14, 2012.