The Edo State Police Command has arrested no fewer than seven suspects in connection with the alleged attack on its personnel during a communal clash in the state.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on March 7, 2026, amid a dispute between the Ogbeson and Iguoshodin communities.
Sources said the crisis erupted during a ceremony organised by residents of the Ogbeson community to mark the commissioning of an Oguedion, an elders’ council hall.
The Ogbeson community, however, alleged that the gunfire during the incident was carried out through a coordinated effort involving members of the Iguoshodin community and some police officers.
Several individuals, including policemen, reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries during the confrontation, while the affected officers were rushed to hospital for medical attention.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said both communities had been embroiled in a long-standing dispute.
According to her, the Iguoshodin community had earlier submitted a petition to the police requesting intervention over the lingering crisis.
She explained that operatives of the Intelligence Response Team, accompanied by some members of the Iguoshodin community, visited Ogbeson on Saturday to invite certain community leaders for questioning as part of efforts to resolve the conflict.
“However, on sighting the operatives, some suspected hoodlums within the Ogbeson community allegedly opened sporadic fire on the officers,” she said.
Ikoedem disclosed that two police officers sustained injuries during the attack and are currently receiving treatment at a police medical facility.
She added that seven suspects, including an alleged ringleader identified as Sunday Omonigo, had been apprehended in connection with the incident.
Items recovered after the attack include a pump-action gun, a battle axe allegedly used against the officers, and several cartridges.
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Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, cautioned community leaders against fomenting communal violence, stressing that the command would ensure that all those involved in the attack are brought to justice.
