Reports indicate that suspected cultists, on Saturday, November 14, shot an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of one of the Area commands in Benin City, and two other policemen.

The incident happened around Albico Junction in Upper Sokponba Road, Benin city, an area notorious for cult clash and violence.

Meanwhile, reports had emerged that the ACP (name withheld) died at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital following the gunshot wound he sustained on Friday, November 13.

CP Kokumo clarified that the ACP was attacked on his way to work, contrary to reports that he was attacked while on a rescue mission with his two colleagues who were also shot, according to Standard Gazette.

The ACP is currently receiving medical treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and his condition is not life-threatening.

Sources say the cultists opened fire on sighting the ACP and his team who were on a rescue mission to the troubled Murtala Muhammed Way, Upper Sakponba, Idogbo and Ugbekun areas.

The three victims were rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital where they are receiving treatment.

It was gathered that the incident has now forced commercial vehicle operators along that route to withdraw their vehicles for fear of being caught in the crossfire.

Banks, shops, markets and schools in the area have also shut down to prevent any attack by the cultists.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Kokumo, noted that operatives of the Edo State Police Command are working to restore normalcy to the state, while assuring that all the criminals would soon be arrested and prosecuted, to serve as a deterrent to others.

Speaking on the incident on Sunday, the CP said the ACP was shot in the leg and receiving treatment.

He claimed that cult violence in the State was ignited by the jailbreaks that happened on October 19 during the hijacked #endsars protests.

Eon Intelligence on October 19, reported that armed hoodlums, in the guise of #ENDSARS protesters, broke into the Nigerian prison located on Sapele Road, Benin City and Oko Medium Security Centre Edo State during the protest.

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The CP urged residents of the State not to panic, but to go about their lawful businesses, and assured them of adequate protection by the Force

Recently, tension has continued to heighten in parts of the State following the escalation of bloody clashes between rival cult groups which has led to the death of about 18 persons.

On Thursday, November 12, two persons were reportedly killed during a cult clash at Upper Sakponba Area and Siloko road.

Similarly, on October 19, two persons were killed during a rival cult clash between Aiye and Eiye confraternity following the #EndSARS protest in Benin City.

Likewise, on April 10, two persons lost their lives in a cult clash in some parts of Benin City, during the partial lockdown imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19.

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