Police refutes claims of fire at Edo station

The Edo State Police Command has dismissed viral social media reports alleging that a police station in Ekpoma was destroyed by fire, describing the claims as false and misleading.

In a statement on Monday, spokesperson ASP Eno Ikoedem clarified: “The Command wishes to categorically state that no Police facility or station was affected by fire in Ekpoma. The viral claims are entirely untrue and calculated to misinform the public, generate panic, and undermine public confidence.”

He explained that the actual incident occurred on Sunday at the POWA Shops within the Ekpoma Division, where an electrical spark ignited a blaze after power was restored by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company. “The actual incident occurred on Sunday, 11th January, 2026, at about 1130hrs, when electricity supply was restored… igniting a fire that spread across several adjoining shops,” the statement noted.

Police officers, assisted by residents, quickly contained the fire, preventing further damage. While the value of property lost is yet to be determined, authorities confirmed that no lives were lost.

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The command condemned the spread of unverified information, warning: “Such misinformation could generate public panic, disrupt economic activities and pose security risks. Members of the public are urged to always verify information from credible and official sources before sharing.”

Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, reassured residents: “The security situation remains calm and under control. Citizens should remain law-abiding and disregard unverified reports capable of inciting fear or confusion.”

The clarification came a day after unrest in Ekpoma, where a peaceful protest against insecurity was hijacked by hoodlums. Protesters stormed the livestock market, killed animals, and vandalised parts of the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II. Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the violence, saying: “There is no justification for invading a traditional institution under the guise of expressing grievances over insecurity.”

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