The Edo State Police Command, youths of Ogbeson Community, and leaders of Ovia North East Local Council Area of the state, yesterday traded blame over Saturday’s attack that left several policemen hospitalised, and youths of the community injured.

Trouble started when policemen were said to have surfaced in the community when youths and elders of the community gathered at the Oguedion (Elders Council) to celebrate. The policemen were said to have arrived at the venue with the community’s (Ogbeson) perceived rival community youths, which reportedly led to a francas.

In the incident, several youths reportedly sustained varying decgrees of injuries while some policemen were hospitalised.

Reacting to what led to the fracas, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said some policemen were drafted to the community to carry an investigation about a petition when youths of the community opened fire on the police team.

Ikoedem, who said the policemen were drafted to the community investigate lingering communal clashes in the area, added: “Some officers were detailed to investigate the communal crisis.

They went to invite leaders of the community who were in the town hall. When they saw our men, they didn’t care to listen to them.

“The policemen tried to state their mission but the youths did not listen. However, our men were able to arrest seven of them and recover some arms.”

But in a swift response, youths and elders of the community denied attacking the policemen. They said the policemen were led by vigilante and members of Iguoshodin, a community they had been battling with over autonomous status.

One of the youths of the community, Best Ugbosisi, who narrated what happened, said he escaped being shot. He said: “I got a call that policemen, vigilantes and members of Iguoshodin Community invaded our Oguedion where we were celebrating.

“They opened fire on our youths and elders. Those that were later arrested had gunshot injuries. We didn’t shoot at the policemen. We have been having issues with Iguoshodin and they are saying we are under them.”