The Edo State Police Command has begun a full-scale manhunt for suspects who killed a police inspector during a routine stop-and-search operation in the state.
The incident occurred on Friday, around noo,n at a police checkpoint under the Ekiadolor Area Command. According to police accounts, the inspector was on official duty when the attack happened.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Moses Yamu, said the inspector was shot at close range by occupants of a suspicious vehicle that refused to comply with police instructions.
“The Command deeply regrets the loss of a serving police inspector who was killed in the line of duty while carrying out a legitimate stop-and-search operation,” Yamu said.
He explained that the operatives had flagged down an unregistered, black Lexus SUV with heavily tinted windows, but the occupants failed to stop.
“The suspicious behaviour of the occupants prompted our personnel to insist on conducting standard security checks. In the course of this lawful engagement, one of the occupants suddenly opened fire on the inspector at close range before fleeing the scene,” the police spokesperson stated.
Yamu added that the command had deployed all available intelligence and operational assets to track down the fleeing suspects.
“The Edo State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation and intensive manhunt to apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime and ensure they are brought to justice,” he said.
Reacting to the killing, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, and to support the police with useful information.
“We call on members of the public to report any sighting of a vehicle matching the description to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines,” Agbonika said.
He assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
“The Edo State Police Command will not relent in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, especially during the yuletide season,” the commissioner added.
Police have encouraged residents to cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.
