Heavily armed police operatives on Thursday sealed off the Edo State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), popularly known as the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House, to prevent the inauguration of a new caretaker committee.
Security was also reinforced at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) main gate, where officers and an armoured personnel carrier were deployed.
Witnesses said suspected thugs were sighted loitering around the Labour House.
Despite the clampdown, the inauguration went ahead at an alternative venue in Benin City, where Prof. Monday Igbafen was sworn in as chairman of the caretaker committee.
Sources said the ceremony was initially planned for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Secretariat at UNIBEN but was relocated following security concerns.
NLC leaders from neighbouring states who had travelled to Benin for the event expressed disappointment that they were denied access to the Labour House.
Comrade Augustine Igben of the Maritime Workers Union condemned the action, describing it as an embarrassment.
“How can the police barricade the Labour House when there is no war? This is a labour matter and should be settled internally,” he said.
He added that he was turned back at the gate, where he observed a heavy security presence and unidentified civilians mingling with the officers.