By Okhide Em’ya David
An Assistant Commissioner of Police (APC) in charge of the Area Commands, Benin, and two other policemen were shot in the early hours of Friday at the popular Murtala Muhammed Way, close to Sokponba road junction in the capital city.
The ACP and the two other officers were said to have been shot moments the suspected hoodlums sighted their team on rescue mission to the troubled MM Way, Upper Sokponba, Idogbo and Ugbekun areas, considered as core den of the illegal groups.
Several people were said to have sustained gunshot injuries during the incidence.
Both the policemen and others injured were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and some other nearby hospitals for treatment. This development has heightened tension in some parts of Benin and adjoining towns.
It would be recalled that between Monday and Friday over 18 persons have reportedly been killed in a renewed cult related clashes between two rival groups (Aye and Eiye).
Though it was not clear what may have sparked the latest killings across major towns and some local government areas in the state, investigations revealed that one of the key actors of one of the rival cult confraternity was scheduled for burial Friday, a development that attracted who is who in the confraternity.
The activities of the rival cultists were said to have also taken toll in Ekenwan road, Siluko road, Wire road, Dumez road, Textile Mill road, New Benin road, Ogida Quarters, Ogbe Quarters and Ibiwe Quarters of the City.
About 450 shops, five markets, banks, public and private schools were shut as at Friday morning.
On Thursday, parents had to reportedly rush to various schools to take their wards home moments the atmosphere became charged with endless shootings.
Worse of the situation was within Upper Sokponba and Idogbo areas of Ikpoba Okha Council Area of the state, residents who were said to be trapped and helpless, scampered for safety.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Babatunde Johnson Kokumo and the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Chidi Nwabuzor failed to respond to calls to their cell phones when contacted for comments.
