BENIN CITY, Nigeria – The Edo State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of 16 travellers and the subsequent burning of their truck in Udune Efandion, along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
CSP Moses Yamu, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Friday, March 28, 2025.
He condemned the gruesome killings and assured the public that justice would be served, stating that the police were fully committed to ensuring accountability for the crime.
“The police command is determined to ensure justice for the victims of this barbaric act. We are leaving no stone unturned in the investigation,” Yamu said.
The incident occurred when a truck carrying 25 travellers from Elele, Rivers State, was intercepted by a local vigilante group in Uromi.
According to Yamu, some of the travellers were found in possession of locally made dane guns, which heightened suspicion among the vigilante members.
“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised an alarm, claiming the travellers were suspected kidnappers. This led some community members and passers-by to attack and lynch 16 occupants. The truck conveying them was also set on fire,” Yamu explained.
Police operatives from the Uromi Division responded promptly, rescuing ten of the travellers.
Two of the injured were immediately rushed to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment, with reports indicating they are responding positively.
In the wake of the incident, Yamu confirmed that 14 suspects had been arrested, and an emergency meeting had been convened with stakeholders and community leaders to address the matter.
Additionally, a unit of Police Mobile Force personnel and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area to maintain law and order and prevent further violence.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Betty Otimenyin, has urged residents to remain calm and emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence among all groups.
She also called for cooperation with the police while cautioning against any reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that could escalate the situation.
“We are working to ensure that peace is restored in the area, and I urge everyone to avoid any actions that could worsen the situation,” Otimenyin said.
