An 18-year-old boy, Chinedu Abimbor, was allegedly shot and killed by operatives of the Edo State Police Command at a checkpoint in the Ekpoma area of Esan West Local Government Area.
The tragic incident, which reportedly occurred on Wednesday, has sparked widespread outrage, with youths and family members of the deceased demanding justice.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that Abimbor, who was driving a Mercedes-Benz, failed to stop when flagged down by the police. This allegedly enraged one of the officers, who then opened fire on the vehicle, killing him on the spot.
His younger brother, who was with him at the time, was also arrested and taken into police custody.
On Thursday, angry protesters stormed the streets of Ekpoma, demanding justice for Abimbor and the release of his detained brother. The demonstrators also visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Ekpoma, HRH Anthony Ehizogie Abumere II, to press their demands.
A spokesperson for the protesters, Lucky Adaba, condemned the police’s actions, stating, “When we went to the police station to ask about the circumstances leading to the killing, they teargassed us and started shooting. The police in Ekpoma have made it a habit to harass young men who drive cars.”
In response, the Edo State Police Command announced that an investigation into the incident had commenced.
A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed that the shooting involved a joint security team and the occupants of an unregistered Mercedes-Benz.
Following the outcry, Commissioner of Police Betty Otimenyin ordered the immediate withdrawal of the three patrol teams involved in the shooting.
The statement also conveyed the Commissioner’s condolences to Abimbor’s family and reassured the public that “justice will be served.”
As tensions rise in Ekpoma, authorities have urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue.
Source: Daily Post
