Force Headquarters react to attack on IRT operatives, launch probe into shooting incident
Force Headquarters react to attack on IRT operatives, launch probe into shooting incident
The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the unprovoked attack on its operatives by a violent mob in the early hours of Monday, May 20, 2025, in Okhuimwun Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the officers, members of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) were traveling through Edo State from Lagos when they were ambushed shortly after the University of Benin (UNIBEN) axis by a group of individuals who had blocked the road.
The mob reportedly assaulted the officers with stones, sticks, and other dangerous objects, leaving two personnel seriously injured.
Despite the violent attack, the officers refrained from using force, a decision the Force described as an act of commendable restraint.
The injured officers are currently receiving medical care and are in stable condition.
Adejobi’s statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the unprovoked attack on police operatives in the early hours of Monday, 20th May 2025, at Okhuimwun Community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
”The operatives, who are members of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), were in transit from Lagos through Edo State when they encountered a mob that had blocked the road immediately after the University of Benin (UNIBEN) axis. The mob, in an unlawful display of aggression, descended on the officers with stones, sticks, and other dangerous objects, inflicting serious injuries on two police personnel.
”It is noteworthy that despite the provocation and threat to life, the officers exercised commendable restraint by not resorting to the use of force. The injured officers are currently receiving medical attention and are in stable condition.
”The Nigeria Police Force warns against acts of lawlessness and unprovoked aggression against its personnel who are committed to maintaining law and order and hereby assure the public that investigations have commenced, and appropriate legal actions will be taken against those found culpable.
”In a separate development, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into a tragic incident in Oyo State involving personnel of the Oyo State Police Command and the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA), which led to the unfortunate demise of a 14-year-old boy, Kehinde Alade.
”The Inspector-General of Police condemned the incident and assured that the officer involved in the shooting has been taken into custody while a full-scale investigation is underway. He equally reiterated that the process will be transparent, and its findings will be made public to ensure justice is duly served as he expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased young man.
”The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges citizens to remain law-abiding and to channel grievances through lawful and peaceful means.”
