A police inspector attached to the Ekiadolor Area Command was shot dead on Friday after armed men opened fire during a routine stop-and-search operation in Benin City, Edo State.
Spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Benin.
According to him, the attack occurred around noon when officers on duty attempted to stop a black, unregistered Lexus SUV with heavily tinted windows. Despite being flagged down, the vehicle reportedly refused to stop, raising suspicion among the officers.
Yamu said attempts to conduct further checks were met with sudden violence.
“In the course of this lawful engagement, one of the occupants of the vehicle opened fire at close range on the Inspector and sped off,” he stated.
The officer died instantly.
Following the killing, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation, alongside an intensive manhunt for the attackers. All intelligence and tactical units have been deployed to track down the perpetrators, Yamu added.
The Command appealed to residents to assist with useful information, particularly any sightings of a vehicle matching the description.
“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08037646272 or 08077773721,” the statement read.
Yamu further assured residents that security measures had been strengthened statewide as the festive season draws nearer, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
