The Edo state police command has denied involvement of its officer in the kidnapping incident on the Benin-Auchi road in Edo state.
There were reports that the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Benjamin Benafa, in Ekhor community on the Benin-Auchi road was arrested by special anti-kidnap team from the office of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba over his involvement in kidnapping on the road.
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But in a statement, Kontongs Bello, spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, described the report as mischievous, fabricated and misleading.
“The report which is already going viral in various social media handle and platform is totally the work of mischief makers aimed at tarnishing the image of the force and to incite the general public against the police particularly Edo police state command”.
“It’s obvious that criminal elements have already noticed that Ehor is no more profitable for them and decided to come out with the fake report to divert attention of the police and the general public who are assisting the police with information about their criminal activities.
“To set the record straight, the DPO Ehor Division, reported at the Division on July 2 and and on July 3, he was instrumental to the rescue of nine kidnapped passengers in an 18 seater bus traveling on the road from Auchi to Benin”.
“The officer is presently at his duty post in Ehor and not arrested as been mischievously circulated”
“The Edo state commissioner of police, Philip Ogbadu assured members of public of his continued commitment to protecting live and properties,” he said
He, however, urged the people of the state to disregard the report and go about their lawful business, promising thorough investigation on the matter.