Our reporter
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed that no lives were lost during the violent mob attack on police operatives in Okhumwun Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, contrary to speculation on social media.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, 20th May 2025, involved operatives from the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) who were travelling through Edo State from Lagos. According to police reports, the officers were ambushed by an irate mob shortly after passing the University of Benin (UNIBEN) axis, where protesters had blocked the road.
In a statement made available to the Newsmen, the Edo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed that two officers sustained serious injuries during the attack but are currently receiving treatment and responding well. “There were no fatalities,” Yamu emphasised, describing the assault as a “completely unprovoked and unlawful act of aggression.”
The mob was reported to have used stones, sticks, and other dangerous weapons in the assault, leaving two police operatives with severe injuries.
In response to the incident, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reiterated the Police’s commitment to upholding law and order, warning against any form of violence or aggression directed at its personnel. “Investigations are underway, and appropriate legal actions will be taken against all those found responsible,” he stated.
In a show of support, well-known Benin-based activist and Speaker of the Talakawa Parliament, Marxist Kola Edokpayi, visited the injured officers at an undisclosed hospital. In a Facebook post on Saturday, Edokpayi thanked God for averting a tragedy, noting that the most critically injured officer is now in a stable condition.
He linked the incident to public outrage over recent midnight arrests of suspected internet fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys”, within the Ugbowo axis, suggesting the protest may have escalated due to a lack of coordination and leadership.
“While we recognise that there are a few errant elements within the police force, we must not forget the many officers who serve with integrity and professionalism,” Edokpayi wrote. He also called on the Commander of the EFCC Benin Zonal Office to ensure that his operatives conduct their duties lawfully and without provoking public disorder.
“The actions of law enforcement must inspire trust, not unrest,” he added.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
