The operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested 14 suspects over the gruesome killing of 16 hunters and the burning of their truck in the state.
The command’s spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed this in a statement on Friday, March 28, 2025.
The incident occurred along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway on Thursday, March 27.
Yamu, who condemned the killings, assured that justice would be served.
Yamu stated that the command was dedicated to ensuring justice for the victims, adding that no stone would be left unturned in the ongoing investigation.
He confirmed that a truck carrying 25 hunters from Elele in Rivers State was intercepted by a vigilante group in Uromi.
During the stop, the police spokesperson said some travellers were found with locally made dane guns, noting that this raised suspicion among the vigilante members.
He stated: “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.
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“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.
He added: “Ten of the travellers were rescued, two of whom sustained injuries. They were rushed to the hospital and are currently responding positively to treatment.
“In the course of investigations, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime. An emergency meeting was also convened with stakeholders and community members.”
Yamu disclosed that a unit of Police Mobile Force personnel, along with other tactical teams, has been deployed to the area, saying this was to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
He quoted the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, as calling for peaceful coexistence among groups.
Otimenyin urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the police.
She also warned against any form of reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that could escalate tensions in Edo State.
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