Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the deaths of three persons in separate incidents in Ewatto, Esan South-East Local Government Area, and Atoruru, Owan West Local Government Area.
The victims were identified as Martins Enahoro, an operative of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC); a suspected cultist known as Gbozia; and an unidentified youth.
The spokesman for the Edo State Police Command, Ikoedem Eno, who confirmed the incidents, said the unidentified youth was shot in Ewatto after youths attacked security operatives deployed to the area to quell rising tension.
Ikoedem said one Ojo Gabriel of Atoruru Village reported a case of assault occasioning harm and malicious damage at Sobe Division after an attack by youths who damaged the window glasses of his residence and vehicles.
She said police detectives and personnel of the Edo State Security Corps were immediately mobilised to the scene.
According to her, “However, upon sighting the security personnel, the youths attacked them, damaging the side glass of the Police patrol vehicle and assaulting members of the Edo State Security Corps.
“Two locally-made single-barrel guns belonging to the security personnel were also taken away.
“Three ESSC personnel, namely Tunde Ali, Izedu Monday and Charles Ighororo, sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
“During the confrontation, three unidentified youths sustained pellet injuries, while one was later confirmed dead while receiving treatment at David and Stella Hospital, Sabongida-Ora.
His remains have been deposited at Heavenly Home Mortuary, Sabongida-Ora, while efforts are ongoing to establish his identity and contact his family.
“Eleven suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident and the guns have been recovered.
“Security has been reinforced in the area by Police and Military personnel, and normalcy has been restored.”
She said Enahoro was attacked but stabbed Gbozia while defending himself when he clashed with suspected members of the Aro Berger confraternity.
She said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that during the confrontation, the ESSN personnel Martins Enahoro, while attempting to defend himself, stabbed one of the attackers identified as Gbozia.
“Enahoro subsequently sustained multiple cut injuries. Both of them were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty and their remains deposited at the mortuary pending further investigation.
“Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the incidents, two of which have confessed to belong to Vikings and Aiye confraternity cults.
“All suspects have been transferred to the Area Command Headquarters for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
“The Command has deployed Police Mobile Force, squadron 82 as reinforcement to the area and assures members of the public that investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
“The Command warns that attacks on security personnel are criminal offences and will not be tolerated.”
