FIC Report (Edo State) – The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has condemned the recent mob attack on a group of travelers along the Uromi-Obajana Road in Edo State. The attack, carried out by a local vigilante group, resulted in tragic consequences after the travelers, who claimed to be hunters, were accused of being kidnappers due to their possession of 19 locally fabricated firearms.
According to reports, the vigilantes, unsatisfied with the travelers’ explanation, took the law into their own hands, subjecting some of them to brutal mob justice without a proper investigation. In response, the Edo State Police Command swiftly deployed officers to the scene, restoring order and arresting 14 suspects linked to the attack. A manhunt is underway for other perpetrators.
The IGP has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Sadiq Abubakar, to take over the case, ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation. He assured the public that the police remain committed to upholding the rule of law and will not tolerate extrajudicial actions.
While urging calm, the police chief also reiterated that unlawful possession of firearms remains a criminal offense and advised individuals with unlicensed weapons to surrender them to the authorities. He further warned against jungle justice, emphasizing the need for citizens to report suspicious activities through legal channels.
The police have urged the public to cooperate fully with the investigation and assured that those responsible for the mob attack will face the full consequences of the law.
Signed
Omoluogbe Ruth
FIC Benin city
29 March,2025
