The Edo State Police Command has ordered a discreet investigation into a viral video showing an altercation between officers of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) and operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
A video showing some of the traffic wardens and IRT officers engaging in a heated argument and even pulling each other’s attire made the rounds on social media on Wednesday, September 9. The video also captured an IRT officer firing his rifle into the air during the confrontation.
In a statement released, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor, has interviewed representatives of both parties and directed a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the incident.
CP Daaor also ordered that the conduct of the officer seen firing the rifle be subjected to appropriate disciplinary review.
The Police Command said it would not condone acts of indiscipline, unprofessional conduct or abuse of police powers by any of its personnel, stressing that any officer found culpable after investigation would be appropriately sanctioned in line with extant laws and regulations.
The Command also emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration and mutual respect between security and government agencies, noting that effective public safety requires agencies to work together professionally.