Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A tragic incident in Benin City, Edo State, has left the local community and law enforcement in shock after a police inspector attached to the Ekiadolor Area Command was shot dead on Friday during a routine stop-and-search operation. The fatal attack, which occurred in broad daylight along the Benin–Lagos Road near the Oluku axis, has heightened concerns over the increasing boldness of armed criminal elements in Edo State and the persistent security threats confronting law enforcement officers across the region.
According to CSP Moses Yamu, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, the incident took place at approximately 12:00 p.m. when a black, heavily-tinted, unregistered Lexus SUV approached the checkpoint operated by the inspector and his team. The vehicle refused to stop despite clear instructions from officers to pull over. The unusual behavior of the vehicle’s occupants prompted the patrol team to carry out standard security checks, a routine measure designed to maintain safety on the heavily trafficked route.
“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,” CSP Yamu stated. The inspector was reportedly struck multiple times and died instantly at the scene, leaving colleagues and nearby residents stunned. The attackers then sped off toward a bush path believed to connect several interior communities around Ugbowo and Okhokhuo, disappearing before reinforcements could arrive.
Witnesses described the attack as sudden, violent, and deeply unsettling. One commercial driver recounted that he initially believed the gunmen were firing into the air as a warning but immediately realized the gravity of the situation when he saw the officer collapse to the ground. Panic quickly spread along the route, causing shops to close earlier than usual and prompting many motorists to abandon the road entirely. Residents in nearby communities reported heightened fear, citing previous attacks and ambushes along similar routes.
The Inspector’s death has cast a somber shadow over the Ekiadolor Area Command, where colleagues described him as a calm, diligent, and highly committed professional. His untimely death is a stark reminder of the daily risks faced by police personnel in Edo State, where armed gangs and cult groups have increasingly targeted officers and civilians alike. Security analysts argue that such attacks not only undermine public confidence in law enforcement but also embolden criminal elements to act with increasing impunity.
In response to the incident, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has directed a full-scale investigation into the attack and ordered an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators. CSP Yamu confirmed that all available intelligence and operational assets have been deployed to track down the assailants. “The state police command has mobilized all tactical units, intelligence officers, and rapid response teams to ensure that the killers are apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.
The police have appealed to members of the public for assistance, urging anyone with credible information about the vehicle, the occupants, or the route taken by the attackers to come forward. CSP Yamu provided emergency hotlines (08037646272 and 08077773721) for reporting any relevant information, emphasizing that community cooperation is critical to solving the case and preventing similar incidents.
Local residents have expressed deep concern over the attack, noting that they had previously called for increased security along the Benin–Lagos Road and other vulnerable highways. Many have reported encounters with armed gangs, cult groups, and highway robbers, and the latest incident has intensified fear across Oluku, Ekiadolor, and neighboring communities. Shop owners, traders, and commuters expressed anxiety about using the road, especially as the yuletide season approaches and traffic volumes increase.
Security analysts observing the incident note that the brazen nature of the attack—carried out in broad daylight against uniformed officers—reflects a worrying trend in Edo State and other parts of southern Nigeria. They argue that criminal actors have become increasingly confident in exploiting gaps in police presence, intelligence gathering, and operational response. The need for enhanced protective measures for frontline officers, including armored vehicles, advanced communication systems, and coordinated intelligence networks, has never been more urgent.
In addition to the immediate operational response, the Inspector’s death has sparked conversations among civil society groups, human rights organizations, and local communities about the broader state of security in Edo State. Many have called for an evaluation of policing strategies, investment in community policing initiatives, and improved support for officers operating in high-risk areas. The incident highlights the precarious balance that law enforcement must maintain between maintaining public order and protecting officers from increasingly sophisticated and armed criminal networks.
The Inspector’s colleagues at the Ekiadolor Area Command have gone into mourning, describing him as an officer who dedicated his career to ensuring the safety of residents. His work, they note, often involved long hours patrolling highways, conducting routine checks, and responding to emergency incidents. Officers emphasized that despite facing constant threats, he remained committed to the principles of law enforcement and public service.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the inspector’s body has been deposited at a morgue in Benin City, and his family has been informed. The police have promised to support the family and ensure justice is served. Statements from senior officers stress that the killing of a police officer is not only an attack on law enforcement but an affront to public safety and community welfare, reinforcing the need for a united response against criminality.
The killing has also ignited public debate about the measures needed to combat rising violence along key highways. Security experts point to the importance of integrating technology, such as surveillance drones, automatic license plate recognition, and intelligence-sharing platforms, to anticipate criminal movements and preempt attacks. In addition, enhancing collaboration between the police, community vigilante groups, and other security agencies is seen as crucial in establishing safer corridors for both civilians and officers.
Residents have expressed hope that the manhunt ordered by the Commissioner of Police will quickly yield results. Community leaders in Oluku and surrounding areas called for swift action to apprehend the perpetrators, emphasizing that the unchecked presence of armed gangs not only threatens lives but also disrupts commerce, schooling, and general mobility.
Stone Reporters’ remark: This incident underscores the growing audacity of criminal networks in Edo State, particularly in targeting law enforcement personnel. The attack serves as a stark reminder that the effectiveness of policing strategies relies on adequate preparation, operational support, and community engagement. It also highlights the human cost of insecurity and the need for immediate, comprehensive measures to protect both officers and civilians.
The Inspector’s death marks a tragic chapter in the ongoing struggle against crime in Edo State, yet it also represents an opportunity for authorities to reassess and strengthen security mechanisms. With tactical units deployed, intelligence assets engaged, and public cooperation solicited, law enforcement is determined to pursue justice and send a clear message that attacks on officers will not be tolerated.
As the yuletide season draws near, residents and commuters are urged to remain vigilant, heed police warnings, and report suspicious activities. The Inspector’s sacrifice stands as a solemn testament to the dangers faced by officers in the line of duty and the continuing need for a collective response to the threats posed by armed criminals.
The Ekiadolor Area Command, the Edo State Police, and the wider law enforcement community are now united in grief, determination, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding the public. The hope remains that swift justice and strengthened security measures will restore confidence among residents, protect officers on patrol, and deter future attacks along this critical corridor.
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