How Brave Hunter Killed In Action While Chasing Kidnappers In Edo Forest

A brave hunter lost his life while relentlessly chasing kidnappers in a forest at Ufa, in Igarra, of Akoko Edo Local Government Area in Edo State.

The deceased, Suru Abanta, popularly known as Odonkoro in the area, was reported shot dead by suspected kidnappers while he, his colleagues, and other members of the local vigilante group were combing the large stretch of forest around Igarra and neighbouring communities for kidnapers and to rescue their victims.

It was gathered that five individuals were abducted within two days along the farm road in Igarra. Notably, among the kidnapped victims, it was learned that one individual was subsequently released following the payment of an undisclosed ransom.

A member of the vigilante group, who witnessed the killing, said the incident happened on Tuesday while one of the kidnappers was arrested on Wednesday.

“We divided ourselves into two groups and went in different directions. But unknown to us, the kidnappers had sighted us. So, while we were trying to take a position, they shot him and they were trying to round us up but our colleagues, who heard the gunshot, started running in our direction and that was how the kidnappers ran away in panic. We later got to their camp, where we saw some items including a phone without battery, sim card and other cooked and raw food,” the eyewitness said.

Speaking of the arrested suspect, the source said: “The man disguised as if he was waiting for a commercial vehicle along the Igarra – Ibillo road where he was caught and has been handed over to the police.”

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has taken proactive measures by initiating training sessions for members of the vigilante group.

During a press conference held on Wednesday, August 9, Mr Chris Osa Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, revealed these ongoing initiatives.

“As we speak, the Edo State Government is training over 1,500 people for the vigilante assignment. A few weeks ago, we did six local government areas, and we did it at the Mobile Police Training School at Ogida Barracks which the Edo State Government renovated and fixed with the same qualities as Edo State buildings,” Nehikhare stated.

“We are getting their biometrics, we are reconditioning them to think like law enforcement agencies and they are to protect the lives of Edo people, our state is more secured and these are being done by these men, they are part of the security arrangement and we are very proud of them because we want Edo to be one of the safest states in the country and we will continue to retrain these volunteers.”