Tension In Edo Community As Police, Youth Trade Blame Over Gun Attack

The Nigeria Police Force in Edo State and leaders of Ogbeson community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area have traded accusations following a shooting incident that left several policemen and residents injured.

Some members of the community reportedly sustained gunshot wounds to different parts of their bodies, including the neck and legs, during the incident which occurred on Saturday.

The clash happened when members of Ogbeson community had gathered at the Oguedion, the community’s elders’ council, for a celebration.

Spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said the officers were in the community to act on a petition and investigate a lingering communal dispute when they were allegedly attacked by youths.

According to her, the officers had gone to the town hall to invite community leaders for questioning.

She said, “Some officers were detailed to investigate the communal crisis. They went to invite leaders of the community who were in the town hall but the people there refused to listen to the policemen.

“The officers tried to explain their mission but the youths became violent and shot at the police team.However, seven suspects were arrested and some arms were recovered from them.”

But elders and youths of Ogbeson community denied the allegation that they attacked the police.

They alleged that the policemen were accompanied by local vigilantes and members of Iguoshodin community, with whom they have been in dispute over issues bordering on autonomy.

A community leader, Best Ugbosisi, said he narrowly escaped being shot as he had left the venue shortly before the incident.

He said, “I received a call that policemen, vigilantes and members of Iguoshodin community had invaded our Oguedion where we were celebrating.

“They opened fire on our youths and elders. Some of those later arrested had already sustained gunshot injuries.

“We did not attack the policemen. Our problem has been with Iguoshodin community who claim we are under them.”

The incident has heightened tension in the area as both sides continue to trade blame over the shooting.