The Edo State Police Command has said it has launched a full-scale investigation into the killing of one of its officers by gunmen on Friday in Benin City.
Newslodge had earlier reported that gunmen, suspected to be armed robbers, reportedly killed a police officer on the Ugbowo-Lagos road, near Ekosodin junction in Benin City.
The command’s public relations officer, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists, identified the deceased simply as an inspector.
Yamu said the command also launched an intensive search to locate the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
He added that all available operational and intelligence resources have been deployed to ensure that the attackers are arrested 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 conducting a lawful stop and search operation.
“The incident occurred today at around 112:00 when an unregistered, black and heavily tinted Lexus SUV approached the checkpoint and refused to stop when flagged down by the police team.
“The suspicious behavior of the occupants led the officers to make further efforts to subject the vehicle to standard security checks. Tragically, in the course of this legal confrontation, one of the occupants of the vehicle suddenly opened fire on the inspector at point-blank range and drove away.
“The Command has since launched a full-scale investigation and intensive search to locate the perpetrators of this heinous crime. All available operational and intelligence resources have been deployed to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, urges the public to remain alert and report any sighting of a vehicle matching the above description to the nearest police station.
“Citizens are further urged to cooperate with security agencies as we continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all residents, especially during Christmas.
“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.”