An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of one the Area Commands, Benin, and two other policemen were shot in the early hours of Friday at the popular Murtala Muhammed (MM) Way, close to Third East Circular road junction, near Sokponba road in the capital city.
The ACP and the two other officers were said to have been shot moments the hoodlums sighted his team on rescue mission to the troubled MM Way, Upper Sokponba, Idogbo and Ugbekun areas considered as core den of the illegal groups.
Several people sustained gunshot injuries in the process.
Both the policemen and others injured were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and other nearby hospitals for treatment.
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This development has heightened tension in some parts of Benin the Edo State capital and adjoining towns.
Recall between Monday and Friday over 18 persons have reportedly been killed in a renewed cult related clashes between two rival groups (Aye and Eiye).
Though it was not clear what may have sparked the latest killings across major towns and some local government areas in the state, investigations revealed that one of the key actors of one of the rival cult confraternity was scheduled for burial Friday, a development that attracted who is who in the confraternity.
The activities of the rival blood thirst cultists were said to have also taken toll in Ekenwan road, Siluko road, Wire road, Dumez road, Texile Mill road, New Benin road, Ogida Quarters, Ogbe Quarters and Ibivwe Quarters of the City.
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About 450 shops, five markets, banks, public and private schools were shut as at Friday morning.
Yesterday (Thursday) parents had to reportedly rush to various schools to take their wards home moments the troubled atmosphere became charged with endless shootings.
Worse as the situation was within Upper Sokponba and Idogbo areas of Ikpoba Okha council area of the state, residents were said to be trapped and helpless.
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Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Johnson Kokumo and the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Chidi Nwabuzor when contacted yesterday on the ugly incidents failed to respond to call to their cell phones.
