Saturday, December 6, 2025 - A yet-to-be-identified police officer was shot d3ad by suspected robbers along the Ugbowo–Lagos Road, near Ekosodin Junction in Benin City, Edo State.

It was gathered that the incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon, December 5, 2025, triggered an exchange of gunfire between the fleeing suspects and other police operatives stationed in the area.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspects, who were driving a black Lexus RX Jeep from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) main gate axis, attempted to evade routine stop-and-search operations mounted by security personnel.

After passing the first checkpoint, the occupants of the vehicle reportedly diverted into a side street upon sighting a second police post.

"One moment, the Lexus Jeep was ahead of me from UNIBEN main gate toward Ekosodin. As soon as they noticed another checkpoint, they quickly turned into a nearby street,” an eyewitness told Nigerian Tribune. 

According to him, the slain officer approached the diverted vehicle when the suspects suddenly stopped, stepped out, and allegedly opened fire on him at close range.

“The attackers were said to have taken the officer’s service rifle before attempting to flee."

Witnesses added that as the suspects sped off, they engaged other police officers on duty in a brief shootout before escaping from the scene.

As of press time, police authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the incident.