The Edo State Government on Friday, debunked claims that a police officer attached to the Government House was involved in the unlawful transfer of firearms intercepted in Kogi State.

An online publication early this month had claimed that the police officer, Inspector Paul Elimwenga, works in the Government House.

However, in a statement by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, described the report as incorrect, misleading and should be disregarded in its entirety.

Itua said the state government maintains zero tolerance for any act that threatens public safety or undermines the integrity of the state’s security architecture.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to an online publication making the rounds on social media, alleging that a police officer attached to the Edo State Government House was involved in the unlawful transfer of firearms intercepted in Kogi State.

“The report is incorrect, misleading and should be disregarded in its entirety. For the avoidance of doubt, the officer referenced in the publication, Inspector Paul Elimwenga, is not an officer of the Edo State Government House. He is a duly-deployed personnel of the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 5, Ogida, Benin City.

“Confirmation from the SPU Base 5 Administration Office affirms that Inspector Elimwenga was posted to a VIP residence in the GRA axis, near Government House, not to the Government House itself. Available security briefings further indicate that Inspector Elimwenga abandoned his official rifle at his private residence and absconded from duty.

“His last tracked location was in Warri, Delta State. Relevant security agencies have since commenced efforts to apprehend him and subject him to 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.”

Itua stated that Okpebholo continues to demand the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and discipline from all security personnel operating within the state, whether directly or indirectly associated with government activities.

The governor assured the people of the state that the government remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property, adding, “Our security agencies continue to work in close coordination, sharing intelligence, strengthening surveillance and responding promptly to emerging threats.

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

The government urged the public to remain calm, law-abiding and wary of sensational misinformation designed to create panic. Accurate updates would be provided through official channels as investigations progress. (The PUNCH)