The Edo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that a police station was gutted by fire in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command clarified that no police facility or station was affected by fire in Ekpoma, describing the viral claims as entirely untrue and calculated to misinform the public, incite panic, and undermine confidence in security institutions.
According to the Police, the incident in question occurred on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m., when electricity supply was restored by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). A spark reportedly emanated from one of the shops in the POWA Shops area within Ekpoma Division, triggering a fire that spread to adjoining shops.
The Command said police personnel, working in collaboration with members of the public, responded swiftly and successfully contained the fire, preventing further escalation. While the value of properties damaged is yet to be determined, no lives were lost in the incident.
The Police Command strongly condemned the deliberate spread of false information by individuals and content creators, noting that unverified and sensational reports can cause public panic, economic disruption, and security threats. It warned that misinformation not only misleads the public but also diverts emergency resources, damages institutional credibility, and could trigger avoidable unrest.
Residents were advised to verify information through credible and official sources before sharing. The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, reassured residents of Ekpoma and the general public that the security situation remains calm and fully under control, urging citizens to remain law-abiding and to disregard unverified social media reports capable of inciting fear or confusion.
The Command encouraged members of the public to rely on its official communication channels for accurate and timely information.
