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Just Weeks After Uromi Incident, Edo Security Network Arrest 4 Travellers, Recovers Guns, Weapons
Barely a month after a similar incident in Uromi where 16 armed suspects concealed in a truck were intercepted and mobbed by residents
Benin City, Edo State – Operatives of the Edo State Security Network (ESN) have arrested four suspected armed travellers in Benin City, barely a month after a similar incident in Uromi where 16 armed suspects concealed in a truck were intercepted and mobbed by residents.
The suspects — Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu — were reportedly travelling from Doguwa in Kano State to Uvbe Community in Orhionwon Local Government Area of Edo State when they were stopped by the ESN at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City.
Recovered from the suspects during the operation were a cache of weapons, including three dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses, and two daggers.
Confirming the arrest, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, said the suspects were handed over to officers at the Ikpoba Hill Police Station for further investigation.
“The command wishes to inform the general public that four suspects — Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu — intercepted by a member of the Edo Security Network with three dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses and two daggers, were swiftly taken over by officers from the Ikpoba Hill Police Station,” Yamu stated.
He also addressed circulating reports on social media claiming that the suspects were armed herdsmen apprehended at a hotel in the Ramat Park area.
“The Edo Command is aware of a misinformation on the social media that four herdsmen armed with guns were arrested at Americanus Hotel on Osemwenkhae Street after Big Joe Motors, Ramat Park, Orogbeni Quarters and handed over to the Police. Preliminary investigation reveals that they are hunters, not herdsmen,” he stated.
According to Yamu, the individuals are hunters en route to Uvbe Community, and there is currently no evidence linking them to any criminal group or plot. “Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing,” he added.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, has called on residents to desist from spreading unverified claims capable of inciting panic or communal unrest.
“We are urging members of the public to always verify information before sharing it, especially on social media. Spreading misinformation can heighten tensions and cause unnecessary fear,” Agbonika said.
