The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four armed hunters from Kano State, intercepted by operatives of the Edo Security Network as they arrived in the state.
Police spokesman, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, said the clarification became necessary following misinformation circulating on social media, alleging that four armed herdsmen were caught at a hotel in the state.
According to the police, the suspects — Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu — were in possession of three Dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses, and two daggers.
“The Edo State Police Command is aware of the misinformation on social media claiming that four herdsmen armed with guns were arrested at Americanus Hotel, Osemwenkhae Street, after Big Joe Motors, Ramat Park, Orogbeni Quarters,” Yamu explained.
He clarified, “The suspects arrested are hunters, not herdsmen,” and assured the public that investigations were ongoing to establish their intentions.
Meanwhile, tension over violent attacks blamed on criminals posing as herdsmen has continued to stir public concern in Edo State.
At the 14th-anniversary celebration of the Knights of St. John International in Benin City, Catholic leaders and faithful took a firm stand against the wave of insecurity.
Col. Chris Umogbai, Grand President of the Benin Grand Commandery of the Knights, condemned the attacks, describing them as “satanic crimes” that must not go unpunished.
“These criminals masquerading as herdsmen must be subjected to the law and nothing else,” Umogbai declared during his speech at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Benin City. “We cannot allow evil to thrive in our land.”
The event drew Catholic faithful from across Edo State, including prominent Church leaders and laity.
Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, former deputy governor of Edo State and former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, attended as Father of the Day, reinforcing the unity of faith and leadership against rising insecurity.
In a collective declaration, the Catholic faithful reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to their faith and Nigeria. They vowed not to be intimidated by attacks targeting clergy and places of worship.
“No violation of our holy places will deter us from doing God’s work,” they pledged, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to protect citizens and bring perpetrators to justice.
The police command, in its statement, reassured residents of its commitment to public safety and urged the public to verify information before spreading it.
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