The Edo State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects in connection to the Thursday gruesome killings of 16 travellers and burning of their truck at Udune Efandion, along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, CSP Moses Yamu confirmed the arrests in a statement on Saturday in Benin-City, the state capital.
CSP Yamu condemned the killings and assured that justice would be served.
He added that no stone would be left unturned in the ongoing investigations.
Yamu confirmed that a truck carrying 25 travellers from Elele in Rivers State was intercepted by a vigilante group in Uromi.
He added that during the stop and search exercise, some travellers were found with locally made dane guns which raised suspicion among the vigilante members.
“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised an alarm, claiming the travellers 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.
He added that Police operatives from the Uromi Division got wind of the incident and swiftly moved to the scene where ten of the travellers were rescued, with two others sustaining injuries.
“They were rushed to hospital and are currently responding positively 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 Police Mobile Force along with other tactical teams has been deployed to the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
According to Yamu, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Betty Otimenyin has for peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups.
She further called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with the police.
“She also cautioned against any form of reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that could escalate tensions,” the police spokesperson stated.
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