The Edo State Government on Saturday refuted reports that ISWAP attacked a police checkpoint, burning a patrol van in the state on Thursday.
The Edo State government, however, acknowledged that the attack at Ibillo-Igarra Road Junction was carried out by bandits who were on the run.
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, in a statement in Benin City on Saturday, disclosed that the state government conducted “a thorough investigation” through the state security outfits involving the Police, Nigerian Army, Edo State Vigilante Network, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ascertain what happened.
According to the commissioner, “There is no evidence of ISWAP or its operatives in Edo State.
“The Edo State government restates its commitment to the safety of lives and property in the state and to the sustenance of a safe environment for citizens to go about their lawful businesses.”