The Edo State Police Command has said it has commenced a full-scale investigation into the killing of one of its officers by gunmen on Friday in Benin City.
DAILY POST had earlier reported that gunmen, suspected to be armed robbers, reportedly killed a police officer along the Ugbowo–Lagos road, near Ekosodin junction in Benin City.
The Public Relations Officer of the command, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen, identified the deceased simply as an Inspector.
Yamu said the command has also commenced an intensive manhunt to track down the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
He added that all available intelligence and operational assets have been deployed to ensure that the assailants are apprehended and brought to justice.
He said the late Inspector was attached to the Ekiadolor Area Command but was unfortunately shot dead while carrying out a legitimate routine stop-and-search operation.
According to him: “The Edo State Police Command regrets to inform the general public of the unfortunate loss of a serving police Inspector attached to the Ekiadolor Area Command, who died in the line of duty while performing a lawful stop-and-search operation.
“The incident occurred today at about 112:00 hours when an unregistered, black, heavily tinted Lexus SUV approached the checkpoint and refused to stop when flagged down by the police team.
“The suspicious conduct of the occupants prompted the operatives to make further efforts to subject the vehicle to standard 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.
“The Command has since commenced a full-scale investigation and intensive manhunt to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime. All available intelligence and operational assets have been deployed to ensure that the assailants are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report any sighting of a vehicle matching the above description to the nearest police station.
“Citizens are further enjoined to cooperate with security agencies as we continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and protection of all residents, especially during the yuletide.
“The Edo State Police Command remains committed to its constitutional mandate of safeguarding lives and property, and will not relent until the criminals behind this attack are brought to justice.”
