TDTension erupted early Friday morning along the busy Airport Road axis of Benin City after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were reportedly forced to flee following fierce resistance from local youths during a raid.
According to eyewitness reports, the anti-graft operatives stormed the area in the early hours in what appeared to be a targeted operation involving the seizure of a vehicle linked to suspected cybercrime activities.
Sources at the scene said the EFCC team initially attempted to move the vehicle but discovered they could not locate the car key.
Unable to proceed, the officers reportedly withdrew from the area, only to return shortly afterward with a towing van to forcibly remove the vehicle.
EFCC Returns
However, on their return, they were met with what witnesses described as “fierce resistance” from a group of angry youths.
Popularly referred to as area boys, they converged on the scene in large numbers.
The confrontation quickly escalated into chaos, with shouting, running, and panic spreading across the road.
The youths allegedly confronted the operatives and blocked their movement, forcing them to flee for their safety.
EFCC Operatives Account of the EFCC Raid
EFCC Operatives claimed the EFCC officers, overwhelmed by the crowd, abandoned the operation and fled the scene to avoid further escalation.
Viral videos circulating online captured the dramatic moment the operation descended into confusion.
Some clips showed the officers retreating while residents watched in disbelief.
Reports also suggest that the raid may have been linked to a residence reportedly occupied by individuals suspected to be members of the Black Axe confraternity.
Although this claim has not yet been independently confirmed, one of the youths was heard boasting about Black Axe exploits.
The incident caused temporary disruption to traffic and commercial activities along the Airport Road corridor, one of Benin City’s busiest routes.
Implications of the Resistance
A local trader who witnessed the event described the situation as “something out of a movie.”
“They came first, left, and then returned with a towing van. But the boys were ready for them this time.
“The officers had no choice but to run,” the witness said.
This latest confrontation adds to the growing tension surrounding repeated EFCC raids in parts of Benin City.
Residents have in recent months raised concerns over the frequency of anti-fraud crackdowns in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, security presence around the Airport Road axis has reportedly been increased to prevent further unrest.
