September 24, (THEWILL) – The Edo State Government has debunked reports that terror group, the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) was responsible for the recent attack at Ibillo-Igarra Road Junction, where a Wabaizigan patrol vehicle was burnt on 22 September 2022.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, said its conclusion followed the outcome of a thorough investigation by the state security outfits involving the Police, Nigerian Army, Edo State Vigilante Network, and Nigeria Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC)
The statement assured that there is no evidence of ISWAP or its operatives in Edo State.
“The Edo State Government refutes claims that it was ISWAP that carried out the attack by fleeing bandits at Ibillo-Igarra Road Junction, where they burnt a Wabaizigan patrol vehicle on September 22, 2022, after a thorough investigation by the state security outfits involving the Police, Nigerian Army, Edo State Vigilante Network and Nigeria Civil Defence Corp.
“There is no evidence of ISWAP or its operatives in Edo State.
“Government assures that it will continue to provide support to the security agencies in the state to tackle crime and criminality and also enhance patrols of the state’s borders to make the state most uncomfortable for the decimated bandits.
“The Edo State government restates its commitment to the safety of lives and property in the state and to the sustenance of a safe environment for citizens to go about their lawful businesses”, the statement read.
Reports (not by THEWILL) on Friday, said ISWAP had claimed responsibility for the attack on a police patrol team in the State.
But Edo State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, had in a statement said the officers were attacked by “fleeing bandits at Ibillo-Igarra road Junction.”
According to ASP Iwegbu, “In continuation of our ongoing bush combing strategy to rid the state of heinous crimes, especially kidnapping, Edo State Police Command refutes claims that it was ISWAP that carried out the attack, but fleeing bandits at Ibillo-Igarra Road Junction, Edo State on 22 September 2022.
“On 14 August 2022, the anti-crime patrol team killed five suspected kidnappers at Ughoshi-Afe bush, Ibillo, in Akoko Edo, LGA, Edo.
“The team was ambushed by ravaging bandits while on another bush combing mission on 22 September 2022.”
The police said the attack on its officers on Thursday, was a reprisal on the officers who killed the five gang members early last month.
“We lost an operative and a vehicle”, she said, adding that the Command is on top of the situation as the CP has emplaced measures to that effect.
“The Command’s tactical teams, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations are currently carrying out an operation to bring the assailants to book. Efforts are being intensified as the Command is in hot pursuit of their trail.”
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