Fake News Alert: Police refute fire claims in Ekpoma station

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Police Command has refuted claims circulating on social media that a police station in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, was destroyed by fire.

In a statement on Monday, spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem described the reports as false, misleading, and reckless.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that no police facility or station was affected by fire in Ekpoma. The viral claims are entirely untrue and appear designed to misinform the public, provoke panic, and undermine confidence in the police,” the statement read.

According to  Ikoedem, the actual incident occurred on Sunday, 11 January 2026, at approximately 11:30am, when electricity supply was restored by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). A spark reportedly originated from one of the shops within the Powa Shops area of Ekpoma Division, triggering a fire that spread to several adjoining shops.

Swift action by police officers, in collaboration with members of the public, contained and extinguished the blaze, preventing further damage. Fortunately, no lives were lost, although the value of property affected is still being assessed.

The police condemned the deliberate spread of misinformation by individuals and content creators seeking social media attention, stressing that such unverified claims can mislead the public, divert emergency resources, harm institutional credibility, and potentially incite unrest.