BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Operatives of the Edo State Security Network (ESN) have intercepted another set of four suspected armed travelers in Benin City and handed them over to the Edo State Police Command.
During the operation, the ESN recovered guns, ammunition, and other dangerous weapons from the suspects.
The individuals, identified as Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu, were said to be journeying from Doguwa in Kano State to Uvbe Community in Orhionwon Local Government Area of Edo State when they were intercepted at Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, the state capital.
Confirming the incident, the Edo State Police Command said the suspects were intercepted with an arsenal that included three dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses, and two daggers.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the suspects were promptly handed over to officers at the Ikpoba Hill Police Station for investigation.
“The command wishes to inform the general public that four (4) suspects Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu intercepted by a member of the Edo Security Network with three (3) dane guns, six (6) empty cartridges, three (3) half filled cartridges, four (4) cutlasses and two (2) daggers, were swiftly taken over by officers from the Ikpoba Hill Police Station.
“The Edo Command is aware of a misinformation on the social media that four (4) 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. They were from Doguwa in Kano State heading to Uvbe Community in Orhionwon LGA of Edo State. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing”, CSP Moses Joel Yamu said.
The command urged the public to verify information before sharing to avoid causing unnecessary panic.
Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, appealed to Edo residents to refrain from spreading misinformation that could heighten tension across communities.
This development comes less than a month after a similar incident in which 16 armed travelers concealed in a truck were intercepted and mobbed by locals in Uromi, Esan North-East local government area of Edo State.
The armed travelers were accused of being behind a series of kidnappings and killings experienced in Uromi area. The incident, however, sparked outrage and arrests forcing government to initiate ongoing probe.
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