Ekpoma, the administrative headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area in Edo State, was hit by a fire on Sunday that gutted several shops belonging to the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), just a day after violent protests over persistent kidnappings in the area.
Edo State Police Command clarified that reports claiming a police station in Ekpoma was affected are false and misleading. ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, stated that the viral video circulating on social media showing flames at a police facility was fabricated.
“The actual incident occurred at around 11:30 am when electricity supply was restored by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). A spark from one of the shops ignited a fire that spread across several adjoining stores within the POWA complex,” Ikoedem explained.
Police personnel, alongside members of the public, intervened quickly to contain the blaze. No casualties were reported, though the value of damaged properties is yet to be determined.
The Edo Police condemned the spread of unverified information, warning that sensational social media content misleads the public, diverts emergency resources, and could incite unrest. Citizens were urged to confirm reports from credible sources before sharing.
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that security in Ekpoma remains stable and under control, while advising the public to remain calm and law-abiding.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions following a violent protest in Ekpoma over repeated kidnapping incidents in Esan West LGA. Social media footage claiming widespread destruction along Barrack Road, including stores near the police station, had sparked panic before authorities clarified the actual circumstances.
