Gunmen ambushed a group of quarry workers in Ihievbe-Ogben in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, resulting in the death of a police inspector and injuries to another officer and an expatriate. The attack occurred on Thursday, October 17, 2024, while the workers were on their way back to their base camp after a long day at work.
According to reports from a resident who spoke with the media, the gunmen waited in hiding and opened fire on the workers and the officers assigned to protect them. The police inspector, whose name has not been made public yet, tragically lost his life in the ambush. Another police officer, who was reportedly the inspector’s orderly, as well as an expatriate who worked with the quarry company, suffered injuries of varying severity.
The injured expatriate and the surviving officer were immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving treatment. The severity of their injuries has not been fully disclosed, but sources indicate that they are in stable condition. For safety reasons, the name and location of the hospital where they are being treated have been kept confidential.
The local resident described the frightening situation, saying, “The incident happened on Thursday when the gunmen ambushed the workers and shot them while they were going to their base camp after they finished working on that day.” The individual further confirmed that “the police officer, an Inspector, was killed in the attack, and one other officer and an expatriate were also injured. They are receiving treatment in a hospital.”
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the attack through its spokesperson, Moses Yamu, who expressed sorrow over the loss of one of their own. He said, “The attack took place. One of our men was killed while another was injured alongside an expatriate.”
Yamu also assured the public that the police are working closely with military personnel to bring the perpetrators of the ambush to justice. “Investigation into the incident is ongoing, alongside efforts in collaboration with the military to apprehend the suspects,” He added.
