Officers and young people suffer injuries in Edo violence

A heated exchange of accusations took place on Monday between the Edo State Police Command and leaders of Ogbeson Community, Ovia North East local government, following an attack that left several policemen hospitalized.

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The incident also resulted in Ogbeson community members sustaining gunshot injuries in various parts of their bodies, according to reports.

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The clash occurred on Saturday during a gathering at the Oguedion, where community members had assembled to celebrate.

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According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, policemen were dispatched to the community to investigate a petition, but were met with gunfire from Ogbeson youths.

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Ikoedem stated that the policemen's mission was to investigate a lingering communal clash in the area, and they had been tasked with inviting community leaders for questioning.

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She explained that the youths refused to listen to the policemen, who were attempting to explain their mission, and instead opened fire on the police team.

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The police were able to arrest seven individuals and recover some arms, Ikoedem added.

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However, the community's youths and elders denied attacking the policemen, claiming that the police were accompanied by vigilantes and members of the Iguoshodin community, with whom they have been disputing over autonomous status.

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Hon Best Ugbosisi, a community leader, recounted that he narrowly escaped being shot by leaving the Oguedion just moments before the attack.

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Ugbosisi stated that he received a call informing him that policemen, vigilantes, and Iguoshodin community members had invaded the Oguedion, where they were celebrating, and opened fire on the youths and elders.

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He emphasized that the community did not shoot at the policemen, and that those arrested had sustained gunshot injuries, underscoring the community's ongoing issues with Iguoshodin, who claim that Ogbeson is under their jurisdiction.