BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Gunmen have again killed two more persons in Edo communities bringing to eight the number of casualties recorded within 34 hours of mindless killings in the affected suburbs.
The sad incident occurred two days after gunmen had reportedly invaded and gunned down six persons including three gallant members of the Edo State Security Network, ESSN, at Okhunmwun Community in Ovia North-East local government area of the State last Thursday.
Police identified the recent two victims as Valentine Eghaide, 32, killed at Egbedion Street, off Second Powerline, Okhunmwun Community and an unknown man who was shot in the head at Peanut junction, Sapele Road, Benin City.
Our correspondent authoritatively gathered that Valentine Eghaide was shot to death in broad day forcing passers-by to run helter skelter on Sunday, September 24.
The body of the second victim was picked that same Sunday morning by operatives of Love World Police Station, Sapele Road in the state capital.
The Public Relations Officer for Edo State Police Command SP Chidi Nwabuzor said the two corpses had been evacuated to mortuaries.
SP Chidi disclosed that investigators had made some arrests in connection to the killings of six persons at Okhunmwun Community.
He identified one Johnson Osarenren A.K.A small Baba Head of Tactical Teams, Edo State Security Network, ESSN, as among those in police custody.
The police spokesman stated that small Baba is being held for leading other members of his team killed in an ambush at Okhunmwun Community which is not his Area of Responsibility, without due authority. SP Nwabuzor also said that a manhunt had been launched after other suspects fingered in the bloodbath.
Our investigation revealed that the attack on Okhunmwun Community has forced many residents to switch base as many buildings were still under lock and keys during a visit on Tuesday.
It was further scooped that the killings may not be unconnected to efforts to change the youth leadership in the Community.
Recall that the police had given the identities of the victims of Okhunwmun Community attack on September 21 as Endurance Ehioretin, Victor Uwaifo, and D.D (ESSN operatives), Osas Orobor indegiene of the Community, Sada Haruna and Wada Hilia, commercial motorcycle operators.
