Young residents of Edo State are calling for justice following the tragic killing of 18-year-old Chinedu Abimbor from Ekpoma, allegedly by police officers during an operation on Wednesday.
In response to public outrage, the Edo State Police Command acknowledged the involvement of its officers and announced the immediate withdrawal of three patrol teams linked to the incident.
According to a statement from Moses Joel Yamu, the police spokesperson in Edo, the shooting occurred around 4:40 p.m. during a joint security operation.
“The incident involved a security task force and the occupants of an unregistered Mercedes-Benz. Unfortunately, this encounter led to the death of Chinedu Abimbor,” Yamu stated.
Amnesty International Condemns the Killing
The incident has sparked national and international concern. On Friday, Amnesty International strongly condemned the killing, urging Nigerian authorities to conduct an impartial and thorough investigation.
“The investigation must ensure justice is served, and the officers responsible must be prosecuted in independent, transparent, and public trials,” the human rights organization stated.
Mother of the Deceased Speaks Out
In a widely circulated video, Chinedu Abimbor’s grieving mother recounted the harrowing moment she learned of her son’s death.
“I was at home that night when I was informed that the police had taken two of my children. I rushed to the station and found one of them there,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
“But when I asked about my other son, Chinedu, no one answered me. The next morning, I returned to the station, still searching for him. That was when we discovered his body had been taken to the mortuary. What crime did he commit? That child was my pillar.”
Protest Erupts in Ekpoma as Youths Demand Accountability
In response to the killing, enraged youths in Ekpoma staged a protest on Thursday, demanding justice and condemning the increasing cases of police brutality in the community.
The demonstrators marched to the divisional police headquarters and the palace of the town’s traditional ruler, insisting on accountability for Abimbor’s death.
Lucky Abada, one of the protesters, shared details of the tragic encounter.
“We heard that the police stopped the vehicle he was in, but he didn’t comply immediately. That was when they opened fire and later deposited his body in the mortuary. I went there and saw his corpse. They shot him with an AK-47,” he said.
Abada also criticized the police for using force against demonstrators.
“When we came to the station to ask for answers, they fired tear gas at us. This is what we face in Ekpoma—constant harassment from the police for no reason,” he added.
Another protester, Ambrose Aigbokhan, echoed the community’s frustration.
“We want to know why our brother was killed. That is why we are here. His younger brother is also in police custody. They arrested him after the shooting,” he revealed.
Calls for Justice and Police Reform
The killing of Chinedu Abimbor has intensified conversations about police brutality in Nigeria, particularly the indiscriminate use of force by security agencies. Activists and community leaders are urging the government to take concrete steps to prevent further loss of innocent lives and ensure justice for victims of extrajudicial killings.
With the outcry growing louder, all eyes are now on the authorities to see whether they will take decisive action against those responsible.
