Okpebholo debunks viral report linking Edo govt house to illegal firearms movement

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has debunked a viral social media report alleging that a police officer attached to the Government House was involved in the unlawful transfer of firearms in Kogi State, describing the claim as fake, satanic, and designed to mislead the public.

In a statement issued on Friday in Benin by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor dismissed the online publication as incorrect and malicious, urging the public to disregard it in its entirety.

According to the statement, the officer mentioned in the report, Inspector Paul Elimwenga, is not attached to the Edo State Government House. Rather, he is a duly assigned personnel of the Special Protection Unit (SPU), Base 5, Ogida, Benin.

The CPS explained that official confirmation from SPU Base 5 showed that Inspector Elimwenga was posted to a VIP residence located within the GRA area, close to the Government House, but not to the Government House itself.

Security briefings revealed that the officer left his official rifle at home before abandoning his duty, the statemnet stated.

Itua further disclosed that Inspector Elimwenga’s last tracked location was Warri, Delta State, and that security agencies have since intensified efforts to apprehend him and ensure he faces the full weight of the law.

“It is important to state unequivocally that the Edo State Government maintains zero tolerance for any act that threatens public safety or undermines the integrity of the State’s security architecture,” the statement noted.

Governor Okpebholo, according to the CPS, expects the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and discipline from all security personnel operating within the state, whether or not they are directly attached to government facilities.

The statement reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, saying security agencies continue to work collaboratively, share intelligence, enhance surveillance and respond swiftly to emerging threats.

“No individual, regardless of affiliation, will be shielded from accountability for actions that compromise public safety,” Itua stressed.

The government urged the public to remain calm, law-abiding and cautious of sensational misinformation aimed at creating panic, assuring that accurate updates will be released through official channels as investigations continue.

READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE