Edo Police Clarify Arrest of Armed Men, Dismiss Herdsmen Rumours

THE Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four men found in possession of firearms and other weapons, while refuting claims circulating on social media that they were herdsmen apprehended at a hotel in Benin City.

A statement issued by the Command on Saturday identified the suspects as Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu.

The men were reportedly intercepted by a member of the Edo Security Network at Americanus Hotel on Osemwenkhae Street, near Big Joe Motors, Ramat Park, Orogbeni Quarters.

According to the police, the suspects were found with three dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses, and two daggers.

They were later handed over to officers from the Ikpoba Hill Police Station for further investigation.

Preliminary findings by the Command indicate that the suspects are hunters, not herdsmen as initially speculated.

“They are from Doguwa in Kano State and were heading to Uvbe Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State,” the police stated.

The Command urged members of the public to disregard misinformation being spread on social media and to refrain from making unverified assumptions that could cause unnecessary panic.

“While the investigation is ongoing, we appeal for calm and encourage the public to rely on verified information from the police,” the statement added.

The Edo State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to public safety and timely communication on matters of public concern.