5 killed as soldiers, MOPOL clash in Benin

By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN—FIVE persons including two soldiers and three mobile policemen, were feared dead yesterday, while over 10 others, including civilians, sustained serious gun shot wounds during a clash between soldiers and mobile policemen attached to the Ogida barracks in Benin City.

As at the time of filling this report, the cause of the clash remained unclear but Vanguard learnt that the problem started when a soldier had an argument with one of the mobile policemen and their colleagues stormed the place to heighten the tension.

Residents of the area have fled due to incessant gun shots. Vanguard observed that not fewer than 10 persons who sustained gun shot wounds were rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Benin City.

Two soldiers and three mobile policemen were seen lying lifeless on the ground.

It was difficult to ascertain the cause of the crisis but as at the time of filling this report, it was learnt that the Brigade Commander in the state and the state Commissioner of Police, Danlami Yar’Adua, are meeting so as to quell the crisis.

A source at the military command in the state, however told Vanguard that “it is not true that we lost two men but I can tell you that our people are meeting to settle the crisis. It is unfortunate but it will be settled tonight.”