The command wishes to inform the general public that four (4) suspects Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu intercepted by a member of the Edo Security Network with three (3) Dane guns, six (6) empty cartridges, three (3) half-filled cartridges, four (4) cutlasses and two (2) daggers, were swiftly taken over by officers from the Ikpoba Hill Police Station,” CSP Yamu said in an official statement
By Asaye Bankole
Ondo State, Nigeria | April 13 2025
Operatives of the Edo State Security Network (ESN) have arrested four suspected armed travellers in Benin City, Edo State, recovering weapons in a swift operation aimed at curbing alarming insecurity in the state.
The suspects — Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu — were intercepted at Ikpoba Hill while travelling from Doguwa in Kano State to Uvbe Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to the spokesman for the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the operation led to the recovery of three Dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses, and two daggers from the suspects.
“The command wishes to inform the general public that four (4) suspects Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu intercepted by a member of the Edo Security Network with three (3) Dane guns, six (6) empty cartridges, three (3) half-filled cartridges, four (4) cutlasses and two (2) daggers, were swiftly taken over by officers from the Ikpoba Hill Police Station,” CSP Yamu said in an official statement.
The incident, which took place less than a month after at least 16 armed travellers were lynched by locals in Uromi, Esan North-East LGA, has stirred renewed public concern over the influx of armed individuals into the state.
Addressing circulating rumours, CSP Yamu debunked reports suggesting that four armed herdsmen were arrested at a hotel in the Ramat Park area of Benin City.
“The Edo Command is aware of a misinformation on the social media that four herdsmen armed with guns were arrested at Americanus hotel on Osemwenkhae Street after Big Joe motors, Ramat Park Orogbeni Quarters and handed over to the Police,” he said.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that they are hunters, not herdsmen. They were from Doguwa in Kano State heading to Uvbe Community in Orhionwon LGA of Edo State. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, urged residents of Edo State to avoid spreading unverified information that could ignite fear or ethnic tension.
“We appeal to the public to always verify any information before sharing. False reports only serve to create panic and disrupt peace in our communities,” CP Agbonika stated.
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