The Edo State Commissioner Of Police Abutu Yaro has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department to carry out a discreet investigation of the alleged murder of a twenty-eight-year-old local vigilante, Ikpomwonsa Aikpitayi, by four police personnel at Obazee Area of New Benin Market in Benin City.
The directive was sequel to complaints by members of the community after the young man was allegedly shot to death, over an altercation with a couple in the community.
The officers, Sergeants Umhenin Stanley, Okongor Ojong, Corporal Monday Joel and Inspector Igere Victor, who is attached to the New-Benin Division of the command, were at Obazee area, after receiving a distress call from one Sunday Egboh, that some boys were attempting to rape his wife, Rose Sunday, after she was accused by them of dumping refuse at a prohibited area, at about 7 pm.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Kontongs Bello, while parading the police personnel, said the distress call prompted a patrol team led by Inspector Igere Victor to the area, and in an attempt to apprehend the young man, fired a warning shot, which hit one Ikpomwonsa Aikpintayi on his chest.
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The couple, Sunday and Rose Egboh was also at the Police Headquarters and narrated the event that led to the altercation and subsequent shooting to the death of the Ikpomwonsa Aikpitayi.
Meanwhile, the family, friends and neighbours of the young man are lamenting his death, and are demanding justice.
The Commissioner of Police has emphasized his resolution to deal with all forms of misconduct and unprofessional behaviour by his men, against law-abiding citizens of Edo state.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
