Benin City: A police inspector attached to the Ekiadolor Area Command was shot dead by gunmen at a checkpoint in Edo State, sparking outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of security operatives on duty across the country.
CSP Moses Yamu, spokesperson of the Edo Police Command, confirmed this via a statement made available to reporters in Benin.
Yamu said the incident occurred at about 12:00 p.m., when an unregistered, black, heavily tinted Lexus SUV approached a city checkpoint and refused to stop despite being flagged down.
The suspicious behaviour of the vehicle’s occupants, he said, prompted the officers to attempt further security checks.
“Tragically, in the course of this lawful engagement, one of the occupants of the vehicle suddenly opened fire on the Inspector at close range and zoomed off,” he said.
According to him, the inspector died on the spot.
Following the attack, the police spokesman said the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, had ordered a full-scale investigation and an intensive search for the perpetrators.
He stated that all intelligence and operational assets had been deployed to track down the assailants and ensure they face justice.
He quoted Agbonika as appealing to residents to provide credible information, especially regarding any sightings of a vehicle matching the description.
“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 08037646272 or 08077773721,” Yamu added.
