There was tension early yesterday at the popular New Benin Market in Benin City, Edo State where a trader was stabbed by a man believed by the police to be mentally unstable.
Initial news alleged that the victim was stabbed to death, sparking off reactions from youths in the area who went on rampage, destroying goods at the market.
A video of the incident which went viral on social media shows angry youths in a wild protest.
Another video also surfaced showing the police guarding the suspect to protective custody after he was almost lynched by the mob.
At the time of filing this report, a combined team of armed security personnel had taken over the troubled area and restored peace.
Edo State police command spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor, said the man stabbed did not die.
“We are all aware about the incident that occurred in New Benin Area today where a man used cutlass to cut another man. The good news is that the injured man is alive,” he wrote.
Police said the attacker was unknown, and was presumed to be mentally disturbed.
In a press statement, the command said the unidentified attacker used a cutlass to inflict injuries on Mr. Anthony Jibunor.
“The contingent of policemen dispatched to the scene met the assailant who was already in the hands of angry mob that beat him and the victim who the assailant brutally cut with a cutlass. The assailant and his victim were rescued from the angry mob and both of them were taken to undisclosed hospitals (for security reasons) for medical treatment.
“The good news so far, is that, both the victim and the assailant are in good stable medical condition.
“It is worthy of emphasis to clear the air that the identity of the assailant is yet unknown as regarding to his name, address, tribe and family inclination,” the police said.
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