A police officer lost his life on Friday afternoon after being shot by suspected armed robbers along the Ugbowo-Lagos Road in Benin City, Edo State. The tragic incident, which occurred near Ekosodin Junction, sparked a fierce exchange of gunfire between the fleeing suspects and other police operatives in the area.
Eyewitness Account of the Attack
According to accounts from people at the scene, the suspects were inside a black Lexus RX Jeep coming from the direction of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) main gate. They reportedly tried to avoid a routine stop-and-search operation set up by security personnel.
An eyewitness who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune described the sequence of events. "One moment, the Lexus Jeep was ahead of me from UNIBEN main gate toward Ekosodin. As soon as they noticed another checkpoint, they quickly turned into a nearby street," the witness stated.
Close-Range Shooting and Escalation
It was at this point that the slain officer approached the diverted vehicle. The suspects suddenly stopped, stepped out of the Jeep, and allegedly opened fire on him at close range. The attackers then seized the officer's service rifle before trying to make their escape.
As the suspects sped away from the scene, they engaged other police officers on duty in a brief but intense shootout. Despite the gunfire, the assailants managed to flee the area. The incident happened on Friday afternoon, December 5, 2025.
Police Response and Ongoing Situation
The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community and highlights the dangers security personnel face daily. As of the time of reporting, the Edo State Police Command had not released an official statement regarding the incident. The identity of the murdered officer also remains unknown as investigations are presumed to be ongoing.
This violent event underscores the persistent challenges of armed robbery and attacks on law enforcement officers on Nigerian roads. The community awaits official communication from the police authorities concerning the pursuit of the suspects and measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
