After Uromi killings, Police arrest four armed hunters from Kano in Benin

In the wake of the recent mob killing of 16 hunters from Kano State in Uromi, Edo State, security tensions have escalated as four other hunters from the northern state were arrested in Benin City.

The suspects – Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu – were apprehended at Americanus Hotel on Osemwenkhae Street, shortly after arriving via Big Joe Motors at Ramat Park in Orogbeni Quarters.

They were handed over to the police by operatives of the Edo State Security Network.

According to the police, the men were found in possession of three dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses, and two daggers, which were concealed inside their bags.

Edo State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed the arrest and clarified that the suspects are hunters, not herdsmen, contrary to narratives circulating on social media.

“They were intercepted by a vigilant member of the Edo Security Network. The suspects claimed to be coming from Doguwa in Kano State and were heading to Uvbe Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State,” Yamu said.

He added that the suspects are currently being interrogated at the Ikpoba Hill Police Station while investigations continue.

Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, urged the public to avoid spreading false information that could fuel unnecessary tension or ethnic mistrust.

The development follows the recent tragic killing of 16 hunters from Kano who were reportedly travelling to celebrate the Sallah holiday when they were mobbed and murdered in Uromi, sparking nationwide outrage.