The Edo State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects over the gruesome killing of 16 travellers and the burning of their truck in Udune Efandion.
The killing of the travellers by persons suspected to be local vigilantes occurred on Thursday along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway.
The Public Relations Officer in the state and a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Friday in Benin.
He condemned the killings and assured that justice would be served.
Yamu stated that the command was dedicated to ensuring justice for the victims.
He added that no stone would be left unturned in the ongoing investigation.
He confirmed that a truck carrying 25 travellers from Elele, Rivers State was intercepted by a vigilante group in Uromi.
During the stop, the police spokesperson said some travellers were found with locally made dane guns.
This raised suspicion among the vigilante members.
Yamu added: “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.”
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Police operatives from the Uromi Division got wind of the incident and swiftly moved to the scene.
Ten of the travellers were rescued, two of whom sustained injuries.
They were rushed to a hospital and are currently responding positively to treatment.
Yamu added: “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.”
Meanwhile, a unit of the Police Mobile Force along with other tactical teams had been deployed to the area by the police.
This is to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
According to Yamu, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Betty Otimenyin, has urged peaceful coexistence among groups.
Otimenyin 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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