The Edo State Police Command has firmly dismissed circulating reports claiming that a police station in Ekpoma was gutted by fire, describing the information as false, misleading, and deliberately sensational.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Command clarified that no police facility or station in Ekpoma was affected by fire, contrary to claims widely shared on social media. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Eno Ikoedem, said the viral videos were deliberately crafted to misinform the public and incite unnecessary panic.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that no police facility or station was affected by fire in Ekpoma,” the statement read.
“The viral claims are entirely untrue and calculated to misinform the public, generate panic, and undermine public confidence in security agencies.”
Fire Incident Occurred at POWA Shops
The police explained that the incident in question occurred on Sunday morning, January 11, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m., at the POWA Shops located within the Ekpoma Police Division — not at any police station.
According to SP Ikoedem, the fire broke out shortly after electricity supply was restored by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), when a spark reportedly emanated from one of the shops, igniting a blaze that spread to several adjoining shops.
Police officers, working alongside members of the public, responded swiftly and successfully contained the fire, preventing it from escalating further. No lives were lost in the incident, though the extent of property damage is yet to be determined.
Warning Against Misinformation
The Command strongly condemned the deliberate spread of unverified and sensational information by some individuals and online content creators, warning that such misinformation could fuel public panic, disrupt economic activities, and pose serious security risks.
Residents were urged to always verify information through credible and official channels before sharing it on social media or other platforms.
Security Situation Remains Calm
Reassuring residents, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, stated that the security situation in Ekpoma and across the state remains calm and firmly under control.
He urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and disregard unverified reports capable of inciting fear or confusion.
The police clarification comes barely 24 hours after tensions rose in the university town, following a peaceful protest over insecurity and persistent kidnapping incidents that was hijacked by hoodlums, leading to pockets of violence within the community.
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