By Uzair Adam
The Edo State Police Command has arrested over 30 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of 16 northern travelers and the burning of their truck in Udune Efandion.
The Daily Reality reports that the attack occurred on Thursday along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway.
Confirming the arrests in a statement on Friday in Benin, the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, condemned the killings and assured that justice would be served.
Yamu stated that the police were committed to ensuring justice for the victims and that no stone would be left unturned in the ongoing investigation.
He revealed that a truck carrying 25 travelers from Elele, Rivers State, was intercepted by a vigilante group in Uromi.
During the stop, some travelers were reportedly found in possession of locally made dane guns, raising suspicion among the vigilantes.
“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised an alarm, claiming the travelers 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 swiftly responded to the scene and managed to rescue ten of the travelers, two of whom sustained injuries.
The injured victims were taken to a hospital and are currently responding 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 added.
Meanwhile, a unit of the Police Mobile Force and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area to prevent further violence.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Betty Otimenyin, urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement while cautioning against reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that could escalate tensions.