BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
In a brazen violence, heavily armed assailants, allegedly led by one Inspector Terry Eboigbe, also known as Smalli, attacked the residence of Mr. Stanley Aigbe, the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) commander for the Sakponba axis.
The incident took place in Evbuomomah Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, around 1:00 a.m. on August 5, 2024.
The attackers launched a violent assault, firing sporadically and creating a night of terror for local residents. Many were too afraid to venture out of their homes. Aigbe’s family, who was at the house during the attack, had to flee for safety as the gunmen laid siege to the property for hours.
The assailants stole valuable items, including an LG plasma television, gold jewelry, and other personal effects, while causing significant damage to doors and windows. The family’s security dog was shot and killed when it barked in defense.
Mr. Stanley Aigbe, who was away at the time, has accused Inspector Eboigbe of orchestrating the attack. Eboigbe’s alleged motive stems from a previous incident in which Aigbe’s team arrested a criminal with police weaponry, linked to Eboigbe’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit. Aigbe claims Eboigbe had threatened him in retaliation.
“Trouble started on June 28, 2024 when I arrested a criminal by name Austin, a civilian with police guns and ammunition which he was using to disturb my Area of Responsibility (AOR). He is the Personal Assistant, Chief Security Officer to Inspector Terry Eboigbe a.k.a Smalli of Anti Kidnapping Unit, Edo State Police Command headquarters, Benin City.
“The Austin killed one of my operatives and he confessed one of his partners in crime. We handed over to police. They charged him and he was remanded in prison custody.
“Ever since the arrest of Austin, the said Inspector Terry Eboigbe has been threatening to kill me. About 1:00am on August 5, 2024, the said Inspector Terry Eboigbe and his group of thugs armed with guns and other dangerous weapons invaded my house with the intent to kill me but I was not at home. They met my wife and children, beat them up mercilessly, gunned down my security dog and destroyed property.
“The police have never invited me for any allegations or petition against me to attract such attack on my house, I don’t sell land”, Mr. Stanley Aigbe stated.
He reported the attack to both the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, and the Edo State Commissioner of Police.
DSP Tijani Momoh, the Zone 5 Public Relations Officer, confirmed that an investigation is underway. Despite this, neither police nor ESSN officials had visited the scene by press time.
Mr. Aigbe however appealed for protection of his life and family even as he called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Inspector Terry Eboigbe and others in connection with the aggression.
The attack has heightened security concerns among ESSN operatives in the area, prompting calls for increased protection for security personnel and their families.
