There was chaos on Tebite Street, Mission Road, Benin City, as operatives of the Oredo Local Government Task Force came under attack while carrying out a routine enforcement exercise to clear traders displaying goods on the roadway.
Trouble began when task force officials politely directed traders to remove their wares from the road and pedestrian walkways in line with existing environmental and traffic regulations.
The situation turned violent as hoodlums, believed to be backing the traders, mobilized and confronted the officers, issuing threats and allegedly brandishing firearms.
To repel the mob attack and restore order, task force operatives were forced to deploy tear gas to disperse the hostile crowd.
In the ensuing unrest, the cameraman covering the operation, alongside two vigilantes attached to the team, sustained serious injuries and were immediately rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
Reacting swiftly to the incident, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government, Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, condemned the attack, describing it as unjustified and uncalled for.
He explained that under the Project SHINE Agenda of His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, safety, environmental sanity, and free vehicular movement remain critical to the development of Oredo Local Government Area.
Hon. Iduseri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining order, public safety, and the rule of law across the Local Government Area.
While calling for peace and harmony, he urged residents to refrain from attacking law enforcement officers carrying out their lawful duties to sanitize markets and other public spaces.
The Chairman further recalled that a similar attack was carried out against task force officials late last year by some commercial bus drivers while on duty.
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