The Edo State Police Command has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that a Police Station was gutted by fire in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Command said no Police facility was affected by fire in the area, describing the reports as false and misleading.
According to the Police, the fire incident occurred on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m. at the POWA Shops area within Ekpoma Division.
The incident reportedly started after electricity was restored by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), when a spark from one of the shops ignited a fire that spread to adjoining shops.
Police personnel, with the assistance of members of the public, intervened promptly and succeeded in containing the fire, preventing further damage. The Police said no life was lost, although the value of property damaged has yet to be determined.
Reacting to the viral claims, the Command condemned the spread of unverified information, noting that such reports could cause unnecessary panic and disrupt public order.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, reassured residents of Ekpoma that the security situation in the area remains calm and under control, urging the public to rely on verified and official sources for information.
