A yet-to-be-identified police officer was shot dead on Friday by suspected robbers along the Ugbowo–Lagos Road, near Ekosodin Junction in Benin City, Edo State.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around midday when the suspects, driving a black Lexus RX Jeep from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) main gate axis, tried to evade routine stop-and-search operations by police officers stationed in the area.
The vehicle reportedly diverted into a side street upon seeing a second checkpoint.
“One moment, the Lexus Jeep was ahead of me from UNIBEN main gate toward Ekosodin. As soon as they noticed another checkpoint, they quickly turned into a nearby street,” an eyewitness said.
The slain officer reportedly approached the diverted vehicle when the suspects suddenly stopped, stepped out, and opened fire on him at close range. The attackers allegedly seized the officer’s service rifle before fleeing.
Witnesses added that the suspects exchanged gunfire with other police officers on duty before escaping the scene.
As of press time, police authorities had not issued an official statement on the incident.
