Travellers’ Killing in Edo: Police Arrest 14 Suspects as IGP Egbetokun Assures Thorough Investigation
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of 14 suspects in connection to the killing of travellers in Uromi area of Edo State earlier today.
In a statement issued by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police Public Relations Officer, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun assured the public that the NPF will carry out a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has strongly condemned the violent mob action carried out against a group of travelers by a local vigilante group along the Uromi-Obajana Road in Edo State.
“The group of individuals, who were traveling in a truck and claimed to be hunters, were found in possession of nineteen (19) locally fabricated firearms when intercepted by the vigilantes, who were not satisfied with the excuse of being hunters to be in possession of such number of arms, concluded they were kidnappers.
“Regrettably, without allowing for due process or proper investigation into their claims, the vigilante group subjected some of them to unlawful mob justice, resulting in tragic consequences. In immediate response, the Edo State Police Command deployed operatives to the affected community, restoring law and order. So far, fourteen (14) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while a manhunt has been launched for other perpetrators involved in the mob action,” the statement noted.
Adejobi revealed that IGP Egbetokun has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), DIG Sadiq Abubakar, to take over the case and ensure a thorough, impartial, and expedited investigation.
He assured the public that the security agency remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will not tolerate any form of unlawful killings or extrajudicial actions under any guise.
The police boss appealed for calm, and urged members of the public to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Egbetokun emphasised that anyone found culpable will be made to face the full weight of the law.
“Additionally, while condemning the resort to jungle justice, the Nigeria Police Force reiterates that the unlawful possession of firearms remains a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
“Individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms are advised to report to the nearest police station to surrender such weapons or initiate the appropriate licensing process,” the statement added.
The Force also warned the public to desist from taking the law into their hands and encouraged them to promptly report suspicious activities to lawful authorities.
