Police arrests14 suspects after Edo killings

President Bola Tinubu has tasked the Police to fish out those responsible for the gruesome killing of 16 travellers and the burning of their truck in Udune Efandion, Edo State even as 14 suspects are already in custody.

The incident occurred on Thursday along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway.

CSP Moses Yamu, the command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Friday in Benin. He denounced the killings and promised justice.

Yamu said the command was devoted to ensuring justice for the victims. He stated that the investigation would be thorough.

A truck transporting 25 travellers from Elele, Rivers, was stopped by a vigilante group in Uromi.

During the stop, the police spokesperson reported that some travellers were found with locally made dane guns. This raised suspicion among the vigilante members.

“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised an alarm, claiming the travellers were suspected kidnappers. This led some community members and passers-by to attack and lynch 16 occupants.

“The truck conveying them was also set on fire,” Yamu said. Police operatives from the Uromi Division got wind of the incident and swiftly moved to the scene.

Ten of the travellers were successfully rescued, with two individuals sustaining injuries during the incident. They were taken to the hospital and are currently undergoing treatment.

Fourteen suspects were arrested while as emergency meeting was convened with stakeholders and community members, Yamu stated.

Police Mobile Force personnel and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area. This is to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.

According to Yamu, the Commissioner of Police in Edo, Betty Otimenyin, has urged peaceful coexistence among groups. She called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with the police.

“She also cautioned against any form of reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that could escalate tensions,” the police spokesperson stated.

NAN