The Edo State Police Command has issued a statement clarifying the recent arrest of four individuals found with firearms. Contrary to social media speculation, the police confirmed that the arrested men are hunters from Kano State, not armed herdsmen. The suspects were intercepted by the Edo Security Network and handed over to the Ikpoba Hill Division.
According to the police spokesperson, Moses Joel Yamu, the arrested individuals were identified as Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu. Recovered items included three Dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses, and two daggers. Initial reports had suggested the arrest of armed herdsmen at a hotel, but investigations revealed the men were hunters traveling from Doguwa in Kano State to Uvbe community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, urged residents to refrain from spreading unverified information that could incite panic and tension. He assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the hunters’ intentions and ensure public safety. The police are committed to maintaining peace and order in the state and will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
The Edo State Police Command emphasizes the importance of accurate information dissemination and urges the public to rely on official sources for updates on security matters. Spreading false information can create unnecessary fear and disrupt the peace, hindering the efforts of law enforcement agencies to maintain safety and security in the community.