The police in Edo State have arrested 14 suspects following the killing of 16 hunters travelling from Elele in Rivers State to Kano for the Eid celebration.
Recall that 16 hunters were lynched and their vehicle burnt along the Uromi/Obajana expressway under the Esan north-east LGA of Edo.
The hunters were accused by local vigilantes of being kidnappers.
The Ebonyi State Police Command spokesperson, Modes Yamu in a statement issued on Friday said 14 suspects have been arrested.
Yamu noted that the local security operatives had found some locally made guns with the hunters, sparking suspicion.
“This led some community members and passers-by to attack and lynch 16 occupants, and the truck conveying them was also set on fire.
“Police operatives from the Uromi Division got wind of the incident and swiftly moved to the scene.
“In the course of investigations, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime,” Yamu said.
He also said that the commissioner of police in Edo state Betty Otimenyin has urged groups and individuals to ensure peaceful co-existence.
She also warned against any form of reprisal attack following the incident as efforts are being made to ensure a full investigation is carried out.
