The Edo State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of 16 travellers and the torching of their truck in Udune Efandion.
The tragic incident, which unfolded on Thursday along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.
CSP Moses Yamu, the command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Friday in Benin.
He condemned the killings and assured the public that justice would be served.
“The command is committed to ensuring justice for the victims. No stone will be left unturned in the ongoing investigation,” Yamu stated.
According to the police, a truck transporting 25 travellers from Elele, Rivers State, was intercepted by a vigilante group in Uromi.
“During the stop, some travellers were found with locally made dane guns, which raised suspicion among the vigilante members,” Yamu explained.
He recounted how tensions escalated when some vigilante members raised an alarm, accusing the travellers of being suspected kidnappers.
The claim quickly fueled mob action as enraged community members and passers-by attacked and lynched 16 of the occupants.
“The truck conveying them was also set on fire,” Yamu added.
Police operatives from the Uromi Division arrived at the scene upon receiving distress reports. They managed to rescue ten of the travellers, two of whom had sustained injuries.
The injured victims were promptly rushed to a hospital, where they are now 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 said.
Meanwhile, to prevent further unrest, a unit of the Police Mobile Force, alongside other tactical teams, has been deployed to the area.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Betty Otimenyin, has called for calm, urging residents to embrace peaceful coexistence and cooperate with law enforcement.
“She also cautioned against any form of reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that could escalate tensions,” Yamu concluded.
(NAN)
