Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have reportedly shot dead an 18-year-old boy identified as Chinedu Abimbor, at a checkpoint in the Ekpoma area of Esan West Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Wednesday, has sparked outrage among youths and family members of the deceased, who are demanding justice.
According to witness accounts, the shooting happened after Abimbor, who was driving a Mercedes-Benz, failed to stop when flagged down by police officers.
“The young man’s refusal to stop angered one of the operatives, who immediately fired at the vehicle, killing the victim in the process,” said a witness who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Abimbor’s younger brother, who was in the vehicle at the time, was subsequently arrested by the police and taken into custody.
On Thursday, angry protesters reportedly took to the streets of Ekpoma, demanding justice for Abimbor and the release of his detained brother.
The demonstrators also gathered at the palace of the traditional ruler of Ekpoma, HRH Anthony Ehizogie Abumere II, to press their demands.
A spokesman for the protesters, Lucky Adaba, who condemned the police’s actions told Daily Post that “We went to the police station to inquire about what could have led to the killing, but the police teargassed us and started shooting.
“The police have formed the habit of harassing young men driving cars in Ekpoma.”
In response, the Edo State Police Command said it had launched a full-scale investigation into the incident.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed that the incident involved a joint security team and the occupants of an unregistered Mercedes-Benz.
The Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, also ordered the immediate withdrawal of the three patrol teams implicated in the shooting.
The statement further conveyed her condolences to Abimbor’s family and assured the public that “justice will be served in the end.”
As tensions remain high in Ekpoma, authorities have urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue.