Gunshots as police, traffic officials clash in Edo

There was pandemonium at Third Junction, Benin City, Edo state, on Tuesday as officers of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) reportedly engaged in physical confrontation with personnel of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), leaving at least one traffic official injured.

The incident, which occurred at first junction by Sokponba road at about 3:00p.m., reportedly triggered gunshots, forcing motorists, pedestrians, traders and other members of the public in the busy area to scamper for safety

A witness, who identified himself as Ezekiel Obi, said members of the public were forced to run in different directions in an attempt to avoid being caught in the confrontation, amid fears that stray bullets could hit innocent persons.

“The situation was frightening, particularly because of the large number of people around the junction when the incident occurred,” Obi stated.

According to him, the sudden development created confusion among motorists and pedestrians, many of whom hurried away from the scene for fear of being caught in the line of fire.

The immediate cause of the confrontation between the police officers and EDSTMA officials could not be independently established as of press time.

However, Blueprint gathered that an argument between personnel of the two agencies reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation before firearms were allegedly discharged.

The incident reportedly disrupted normal activities around the junction for some time, with motorists and pedestrians keeping away from the immediate vicinity of the confrontation.

A resident, who simply identified himself as Obaze, expressed concern over what he described as the increasingly aggressive approach allegedly adopted by some personnel of specialised police units while carrying out their duties.

Obaze alleged that similar incidents involving what he described as a “commando-style” approach had occurred in the past, urging the relevant authorities to ensure that law enforcement operations did not expose members of the public to unnecessary danger.

He emphasised that while security personnel had a responsibility to maintain law and order, their operations should also take into consideration the safety of innocent residents, motorists and other road users.

The Public Relations Officer of Edo State police Command, Eno Ikoedem was yet to comment on the development as of the time of filing this report.