By Simeon OSAJIE
Tragedy struck in Sobe Community, Owan West local government local of Edo State as some youths on Sunday attacked some members of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) personnel and went away with locally-made single-barrel guns belonging to the security personnel.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem and made available to newsmen in Benin, the state capital.
According to ASP Ikoedem, “At about 10.00am, one Ojo Gabriel ‘M’ of Atoruru Village reported a case of assault occasioning harm and malicious damage at Sobe Division following an attack by youths who damaged the window glasses of his residence and vehicles.
“Police detectives and personnel of the Edo State Security Corps were immediately mobilised to the scene.
“However, upon sighting the security personnel, the youths attacked them, damaging the side glass of the Police patrol vehicle and assaulting members of the Edo State Security Network Corps. Two locally-made single-barrel guns belonging to the security personnel were also taken away.
“Three ESSN personnel, namely Tunde Ali, Izedu Monday and Charles Ighororo, sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
“During the confrontation, three unidentified youths sustained pullet injuries, while one was later confirmed dead while receiving treatment at David and Stella Hospital, Sabongida-Ora. His remains have been deposited at Heavenly Home Mortuary, Sabongida-Ora, while efforts are ongoing to establish his identity and contact his family.
“Eleven suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident and the guns have been recovered. Security has been reinforced in the area by Police and Military personnel, and normalcy has been restored.”