A clash between men of the Nigerian Army and policemen from the Oba Market Police Station in Benin City, the Edo State capital, has left 15 persons, including a pregnant woman injured.
Following the clash, residents and shops owners fled for safety, as tear gas canisters and several shots were fired when soldiers in over 10 Toyota Hilux vans invaded the police station.
Those injured were as a result of stampede.
As the invasion lasted, policemen in the station reportedly locked themselves inside the station while business owners locked their shops to prevent looting.
It was learnt that the soldiers’ over two hours siege at the police station came to an end at 6:20pm, following intervention by top police officers in the state.
Trouble reportedly started when 10 policemen allegedly beat two soldiers to stupor at the traffic at Ibiwe junction opposite the Oba Market in vengeance for the soldiers beating up a female traffic warden who did not allow them to pass through despite heavy traffic.
One of the soldiers was said to have repeatedly slapped the woman until policemen intervened. This resulted in a free for all.
The policemen were said to have dragged the soldiers to the police station and detained them.
It was learnt that a soldier who witnessed the beating called his colleagues and soldiers in 10 Hilux vans stormed the police station.
When contacted, Spokesman for the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Jonah Unuakhalu, said he was yet to be briefed and promised to call back after getting details.
No comments:
Post a Comment