The Edo State Police Command has dismissed as false, misleading, and reckless the circulating reports on social media claiming that a Police Station was gutted by fire in Ekpoma.

The command categorically stated that no Police facility or station was affected by fire in Ekpoma. It said the viral claims are entirely untrue and calculated to misinform the public, generate panic, and undermine public confidence.

"The actual incident occurred on Sunday, 11th January, 2026, at about 1130hrs, when electricity supply was restored by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and a spark reportedly emanated from one of the shops within the Powa Shops area of Ekpoma Division, igniting a fire that spread across several adjoining shops," the command said on Monday.

It said swift intervention by Police personnel in collaboration with members of the public helped to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing further escalation. Although the Value of properties damaged is yet to be ascertained, no life was lost.

"The command strongly condemns the deliberate spread of false information by individuals and content creators who, in their desperate pursuit of social media relevance, propagate unverified and sensational narratives capable of causing public panic, economic disruption, and security threats, highlighting that such reckless misinformation does not only mislead the public but also diverts emergency resources, damages institutional credibility, and may trigger avoidable unrest. Members of the public are therefore advised to always verify information from credible and official sources before sharing.

"The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, reassures residents of Ekpoma and the general public that the security situation remains calm and fully under control. He urges citizens to remain law-abiding and to disregard all unverified social media reports capable of inciting fear or confusion," the command said.