By Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin

A policeman over the weekend killed two nursing mothers and injured a two-month old baby at a burial ceremony which held in Ivhiokhile quarters in Etsako Central local government area of Edo State.

Witnesses at the event said the policeman who had accompanied a traditional ruler from Uzairue clan to the venue had handled his rifle carelessly as he opened the door of a car for his principal to alight.

One of the women who were hit by the stray bullets, simply identified as Mrs Saliu, a native of Fugar died instantly.

Another one, Sandra Imhaku, who strapped a baby to her back was hit in the neck and died at a hospital in Irrua, where she was later rushed

Imhaku was said to have lost her husband last year while expecting the baby.

The incident ignited a pandemonium as angry youths descended on the policemen.

The policemen however managed to escape in the ensuing confusion.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Adegbuyi, who confirmed the incident, said a case of accidental discharge which led to the death of the victims was reported to him on Saturday.

He said that the officer involved had already been detained and the police authorities were carrying out investigations into the matter.