A police inspector attached to the Ekiadolor Area Command was on Friday shot dead by gunmen during a routine stop-and-search operation in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The Edo State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Benin.

According to Yamu, the attack occurred at about 12 p.m. when an unregistered, black, heavily tinted Lexus SUV approached a checkpoint and refused to stop despite being flagged down by officers.

He said the suspicious behaviour of the vehicle’s occupants prompted the officers to attempt further checks, but the situation quickly escalated.

“Tragically, in the course of this lawful engagement, one of the occupants opened fire on the Inspector at close range before the vehicle zoomed off,” Yamu said.

The inspector reportedly died on the spot.

Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, ordered a full-scale investigation and an intensive manhunt to track down the perpetrators.

Yamu said all intelligence and operational assets had been deployed to ensure the assailants are apprehended and brought to justice.

He also urged residents to provide credible information, especially regarding any sighting of a vehicle matching the description.

“Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 08037646272 or 08077773721,” he added.

Yamu reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that security measures had been heightened across the state as the yuletide season approaches.