Nigeria: Two Policemen Mobbed to Death in Edo Following Motorcycle Accident
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
On March 3, 2024, tragedy struck in the Ikpeshi community of the Akoko-Edo local government area in Edo State when two policemen were beaten to death by irate youths. The incident occurred after the policemen’s convoy, escorting a former member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Emmanuel Agbaje, collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the death of the rider and the passenger.
The policemen, identified as Inspector Brownson Brown, Inspector Abubaka Fakkuk, Sergeant Taiye Ojiefo, and Sergeant Elisha John from the Police Mobile Force 19 in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, were escorting Hon Emmanuel Agbaje when their Toyota Hilux van collided with the motorcycle.
Following the accident, the irate youths invaded the Edo State Security Volunteer Network (vigilante) office where the policemen had been taken for custody. They overran the facility and beat two of the policemen to death while threatening the vigilante members who tried to rescue the officers.
However, members of the vigilante group were able to rescue the other two policemen, who are currently receiving treatment at Ifejola Hospital in Igarra. The rifles of the police officers were also recovered by the vigilante group.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident, but stated that more details would be made available to the public in due time.
In response to the incident, the chairman of the Akoko-Edo local government area, Hon Tajudeen Alade, condemned the actions of the youths and commended the efforts of the vigilante group in saving the lives of the policemen. He assured that those involved in the attack would be brought to justice and promised support for the family of one of the occupants of the motorcycle involved in the accident.
The tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty and underscores the need for collaborative efforts in maintaining peace and security in communities.
