Security Operatives Apprehend Four Armed Travellers in Edo

As the dust of the lynching of some armed travellers in Edo State is yet to settle, operatives of the Edo State Security Network have apprehended four armed travelers in Benin City, sparking concerns about the safety and security of the state.

The suspects, identified as Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu, were intercepted at Ikpoba Hill while traveling from Doguwa, Kano State, to Uvbe Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

A thorough search of their belongings yielded a cache of weapons, including three Dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses, and two daggers. The discovery of these arms has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of the recent lynching of 16 travelers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, which occurred less than a month prior.

Preliminary investigations into the incident have revealed that the suspects claim to be hunters, rather than herdsmen, as initially suspected. However, further inquiries are ongoing to determine the authenticity of their claims and the true purpose of their journey.

The Edo State Security Network is working tirelessly to unravel the circumstances surrounding the possession of these weapons and the intentions of the suspects.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among residents and stakeholders, who are calling for increased vigilance and security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Edo State Government has assured citizens that it is taking the matter seriously and is working to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

The lynching of 16 travelers in Uromi, which occurred less than a month ago, had already raised concerns about the presence of armed individuals in the state. The latest incident has further highlighted the need for enhanced security measures and intelligence gathering to prevent such incidents.

As the investigation continues, the Edo State Security Network is urging citizens to remain calm and to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the authorities. The agency is also working closely with other security agencies to share intelligence and best practices in order to prevent the proliferation of arms and ensure the safety of all residents.

In a statement, the Edo State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order in the state, saying, “The safety and security of our citizens is our top priority. We will not tolerate any form of violence or criminality in our state, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community policing and the need for citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that the true circumstances surrounding the incident will be revealed, and those responsible will be held accountable.