From Moshood Karim
Fourteen individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the tragic killing of 16 travellers in Edo State, following an incident that has left the State in shock and disbelief.
The incident occurred on Thursday along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway in the Udune Efandion area, where a group of 25 passengers was travelling from Elele in Rivers State. The victims were travelling in a truck when they were stopped by a vigilante group, who discovered some passengers in possession of locally made firearms, known as dane guns.
This discovery led to a cascade of suspicions, with members of the vigilante group accusing the travellers of being kidnappers. The situation quickly spiralled out of control when locals, spurred by the allegations, launched a violent attack on the travellers, killing 16 of them and setting their vehicle ablaze.
Police arrived on the scene after receiving emergency reports, rescuing 10 of the passengers. Two of the survivors were injured and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Confirming the arrests, the Edo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, expressed his condemnation of the killings and reassured the public that justice would be pursued relentlessly.
“The command is committed to ensuring justice for the victims. We will leave no stone unturned in the investigation,” Yamu said in a statement issued on Friday.
In response to the growing tensions in the area, additional security measures have been implemented, with a Police Mobile Force unit and other tactical teams deployed to maintain peace. The Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has urged residents to remain calm, urging them to avoid any actions that might lead to further violence.
“We must all work together to ensure that peace prevails,” said Otimenyin, cautioning against any acts of retaliation or unlawful gatherings.
The police continue to investigate the horrific event, while local authorities are working closely with community leaders to restore peace in the area.
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