An 18-year-old, identified as Chinedu Abimbor, was fatally shot on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at a police checkpoint in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area. The tragic incident has ignited widespread protests and calls for accountability from the community.
According to reports, the shooting occurred when Abimbor, driving a Mercedes-Benz, allegedly failed to stop when signaled by police officers at the checkpoint. An eyewitness, speaking under the condition of anonymity, stated, “The young man’s refusal to stop angered one of the operatives, who immediately fired at the vehicle, killing the victim in the process.”
The victim’s younger brother, who was also in the vehicle, was reportedly arrested and taken into custody.
The incident immediately sparked outrage among Ekpoma residents. On Thursday, angry youths took to the streets, demanding justice for Abimbor and the immediate release of his brother. The protesters also marched to the palace of the traditional ruler of Ekpoma, HRH Anthony Ehizogie Abumere II, to voice their grievances.
Lucky Adaba, a spokesman for the protesters, stated, “We went to the police station to inquire about what could have led to the killing, but the police teargassed us and started shooting. The police have formed the habit of harassing young men driving cars in Ekpoma.”
He emphasized the community’s frustration with alleged police harassment and the demand for a transparent investigation.
The Edo State Police Command has responded to the public outcry by ordering a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding Abimbor’s death. A statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident, stating it involved a joint operation team of security forces and the occupants of an unregistered Mercedes-Benz, which resulted in the death of Chinedu Abimbor.
Yamu further stated that the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has directed the immediate withdrawal of the three patrol teams implicated in the incident from operations. Commissioner Otimenyin has also commiserated with the family and friends of the deceased and “called for calm from the general public, with the assurance that justice will be served in the end.”
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. The community awaits the findings of the investigation and hopes for swift and decisive action to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies.
