The Edo State Police Command has said 16 travellers were lynched at Udune Efandion community, along Uromi/Obajana Expressway, Edo state, on March 27.
It said the incident occurred when the truck with registration number KKF 225 XA coming from Portharcourt, conveying 25 travellers from Elele, a suburb of Rivers state, was accosted by some vigilante group members at Uromi.
In a statement issued on Friday by the State police spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu said, “some of the travelers were found to be in possession of locally made dane guns were arrested.
“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised an alarm of them being suspected kidnappers, which led some members and passersby in the community to attack and lynch 16 of the occupants.
“The truck conveying them was equally burnt,” the statement added.
Yamu explained that Police operatives attached to the Uromi Division got wind of the incident and swiftly stormed the scene, where 10 of the travelers were rescued.
He noted that two of the victims sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to a hospital where they are currently positively responding to treatment.
While condemning the killing, the police spokesman said 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime, while an emergency meeting was convened with stakeholders and members of the community to address the situation.
He added, “in the meantime, a unit of Police Mobile Force personnel with other command tactical teams have been deployed to the area to forestall breakdown of law and order.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates the need for peaceful coexistence among various groups, and urges residents to remain calm and cooperate with the police as investigations continue.
“She also cautioned against any form of reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that may further escalate tensions.”
