The patrol van set on fire with remains of the four policemen killed by the unknown assailants

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

Unknown assailants have allegedly murdered four policemen attached to the Sabongida-Ora Division of the Nigeria Police, at the road intersection between Oke-Ora and Avbiosi in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The unfortunate incident is said to have resulted in total confusion in the entire area.

It was gathered the policemen who were on security patrol were ambushed by the assailants who shot at them as they were about to alight from their Hilux Van.

The police patrol vehicle was said to have been set ablaze with the bodies of victims inside, even as their weapons were allegedly taken way by the assailants.

The Executive Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Mr. Frank Ilaboya, confirmed the incident to journalists on phone.

The burnt remains of the police officers

He said: “From information available to me, the policemen were about to alight from their vehicle when the assailants opened fire on them.

“They were said to have set their vehicle ablaze and took away their guns. I cannot confirm whether they were armed robbers or not.

“As I speak with you, the communities in the area are in total confusion. However, I have convened an emergency security meeting to look at the issue because there is no eye witness that can give an account of what really happened.”

When contacted, the Edo State Police Command spokesman, Mr. Chidi Nwanbuzor, simply said, “I just received the information from the media. We are yet to be briefed.”