Tragedy as hoodlums ambush, kill four policemen in Edo

Four policemen of the Sabongida-Ora division of the Nigeria Police Force were yesterday ambushed and murdered by unknown assailants at Oke-Ora and Avbiosi in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that the policemen who were on routine security patrol were shot as they were about to alight from their Toyota Hilux patrol van.The patrol vehicle was said to have been set ablaze with the bodies of victims inside even as their weapons were allegedly taken away by the assailants.

Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Mr. Frank Ilaboya, who confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, said: “From information available to me, the policemen were about to alight from their vehicle when the assailants opened fire on them.

“They were said to have set their vehicle ablaze and took away their guns. I cannot confirm whether they were armed robbers or not.“As I speak with you, the communities in the area are in total confusion. However, I have convened an emergency security meeting for this afternoon (Sunday) to look at the issue because there is no eyewitness that can give an account of what really happened.”

The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chidi Nwanbuzor, when contacted for confirmation of the incident said: “I just received the information from the media. We are yet to be briefed.”