Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said there is no evidence of ISWAP or its operatives in the state.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Edo State Government has debunked the rumour that the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) carried out an attack in the state on Thursday.
There have been reports that ISWAP claimed responsibility for an attack on a police checkpoint in Edo during which a patrol van was set ablaze.
However, the state government said in a statement on Saturday issued by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, that the attack which occurred at Ibillo-Igarra Road Junction was carried out by fleeing bandits.
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The statement said the state government’s position followed “a thorough investigation” by the state security outfits involving the Police, Nigerian Army, Edo State Vigilante Network, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“There is no evidence of ISWAP or its operatives in Edo State,” he said.
Nehikhare assured that the state government would continue to provide support to the security agencies in the state to tackle crime and criminality and also enhance patrols of the state’s borders to make the state uncomfortable for bandits.
“The Edo State government restates its commitment to the safety of lives and property in the state and to the sustenance of a safe environment for citizens to go about their lawful businesses,” he added.