Police in Edo State have arrested the owner of three dogs that allegedly attacked a telecommunications technician while he was carrying out an installation job in Okhoro, Benin City.
The victim, identified as Ajani Taiwo, was reportedly hospitalised after sustaining injuries, including a wound to his head, during the attack.
The incident occurred on Thursday at a facility behind a police division, where Taiwo had gone to install MTN network equipment.
According to sources, Taiwo had contacted the person responsible for the facility’s power supply at about 3 p.m. to gain access to the site. Shortly after the entrance was opened, three dogs reportedly rushed at him and began attacking him.
The dogs’ owner, identified as Ughanlunen Sandra, was said to have intervened after the attack began. Taiwo’s cries for help also attracted neighbours, who joined efforts to free him from the animals.
He was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital, where he received emergency medical treatment for the injuries sustained.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying Sandra was arrested after Taiwo lodged a formal complaint.
Police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said preliminary information indicated that the dogs attacked the technician immediately after the facility’s entrance was opened.
“As the door was opened, about three dogs attacked him before the owner, Ughanlunen Sandra, arrived at the scene,” Ikoedem said.
The command said an investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine any further action.
Ikoedem also urged dog owners and breeders to exercise proper control and supervision over their animals, stressing the need to prevent situations that could endanger members of the public.
The incident has again drawn attention to the responsibility of dog owners to ensure that animals kept on private premises do not pose a danger to workers, visitors and other members of the public who may need access to such locations.
Taiwo was reportedly living on Adesagbon Street, off Okhoro Road, in Egor Local Government Area before the incident.
