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The Edo State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that a police station in Ekpoma was destroyed by fire, describing the information as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 12, the command said no police facility or station caught fire in Ekpoma.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said viral videos circulating on social media deliberately misled the public and aimed to create panic.
Police deny fire at Ekpoma station. Credit: Premium Times
He stated that the actual incident occurred on Sunday morning at the POWA Shops area within the Ekpoma Division.
According to him, the fire started at about 11:30 a.m. after the electricity supply was restored by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, when a spark from one of the shops ignited a blaze that spread to nearby shops.
Ikoedem said police officers, working alongside members of the public, responded promptly and succeeded in containing and extinguishing the fire, preventing it from spreading further.
He confirmed that no lives were lost, adding that authorities are still assessing the value of the damaged property.
The command condemned the spread of unverified and sensational reports by some individuals and content creators, warning that such misinformation could cause public panic, disrupt economic activities, and pose security threats.
It urged the public to verify information through credible and official sources before sharing.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that the security situation in Ekpoma remained calm and under control.
He appealed to the public to remain law-abiding and ignore reports capable of causing fear or confusion.
The police clarification followed heightened tension in the university town after hoodlums hijacked a peaceful protest on Saturday against insecurity and frequent kidnappings, leading to violence in the area.
