Edo police clarify identity of hunters mistaken for herdsmen

Just weeks after 17 northern hunters were tragically lynched in Uromi by an angry mob who mistook them for killer herdsmen, another group of hunters has been intercepted by a member of the Edo State Security Network under similar suspicion.

The men were detained after being found in possession of dangerous weapons, prompting fears of another herdsmen-related incident. However, in a statement issued on Saturday, the Edo State Police Command dismissed such claims.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Iyamu, the individuals were not herdsmen but hunters who had been wrongly profiled. He urged members of the public to avoid spreading misinformation that could inflame tensions or lead to further acts of jungle justice.

The statement read : “The Edo Command is aware of a misinformation on the social media that four (4) herdsmen armed with guns were arrested at Americanus hotel on Osemwenkhae street after Big Joe motors, Ramat park  Orogbeni Quarters and handed over to the Police.

“The command wishes to inform the general public that  four (4) suspects Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu intercepted by a member of the Edo Security Network with three (3) dane guns, six (6) empty cartridges,  three (3) half filled cartridges, four (4) cutlasses and  two (2) daggers, were swiftly taken over by officers from the Ikpoba Hill Police Station.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that they are hunters, not herdsmen. They were from Doguwa in Kano State heading to Uvbe Community in Orhionwon LGA of Edo State. Meanwhile,  investigation is ongoing.

“The Edo State Commissioner of Police,  CP Monday Agbonika, fdc wishes to use this opportunity to discourage residents of the state from circulating wrong information capable of causing unnecessary tension.”