Operatives of the Oredo Local Government Task Force were on Tuesday attacked by suspected hoodlums during a routine enforcement exercise at Tebite Street, off Mission Road, Benin City.
The task force was carrying out an operation to clear traders who had displayed their wares on the road and pedestrian walkways, in line with existing environmental and traffic regulations.
Eyewitnesses said trouble began when officials politely instructed the traders to remove their goods from the road.
The situation, however, escalated when hoodlums allegedly backing the traders mobilised and violently confronted the task force officials, issuing threats and reportedly brandishing firearms.
To prevent further escalation and disperse the hostile crowd, the operatives deployed tear gas to restore order in the area.
During the incident, a cameraman documenting the operation and two vigilante members attached to the task force sustained serious injuries.
They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Reacting to the attack, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, condemned the incident, describing it as unjustified and uncalled for.
He stated that under the Project Shine agenda of the Edo State Government, ensuring safety, environmental sanity, and free vehicular movement remains critical to the development of Oredo Local Government Area.
Hon. Iduseri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order, public safety, and the rule of law across the local government.
While calling for peace and harmony, the council chairman urged residents to desist from attacking law enforcement officers performing their lawful duties to sanitise markets and public spaces.
He also recalled that similar attacks were carried out against task force officials by commercial bus drivers late last year.