A wave of outrage has swept through Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, following the shocking killing of an 18-year-old boy, Chinedu Abimbor, allegedly at the hands of police operatives.
The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday at a police checkpoint in the bustling university town, sparking widespread protests and demands for justice.
According to eyewitnesses, the teenager was behind the wheel of a Mercedes Benz when he encountered the police checkpoint.
He allegedly refused to stop when flagged down, an act that reportedly triggered a deadly response.
“Apparently angered by his refusal to stop, one of the officers opened fire on the vehicle, killing him on the spot,” a witness recounted.
To make matters worse, his shocked brother—who was in the car with him at the time—was immediately arrested and taken into custody.
By Thursday, Ekpoma was on edge as enraged youths stormed the streets, demanding justice for the slain teenager.
The protesters, who made their way to the palace of HRH Anthony Ehizogie Abumere II, the traditional ruler of Ekpoma, also demanded the immediate release of Chinedu’s detained brother.
“We went to the police station to inquire about the killing,” said a protester, Lucky Adaba, “but the police responded with teargas and gunfire! This harassment of young boys in cars must stop.”
In response to the escalating crisis, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.
In a statement released on Friday by Command spokesperson CSP Moses Yamu, the CP assured the public that justice would be served and urged calm amid growing tension.
“The incident involved a joint security operation and the occupants of an unregistered Mercedes Benz, which resulted in the death of one Chinedu Abimbor,” the statement read.
In a swift move, the CP has withdrawn three patrol teams allegedly involved in the shooting from active duty, as the investigation unfolds.
