THE POLICE COMMAND of Edo State have arrested 14 suspects in connection with setting fire on hunters in Uromi village who were returning from Port-Harcourt to Kano State ahead of Sallah celebration.
The Explainer had earlier reported how Nigerians had condemned the incident, demanding authorities to probe the incident. The attack, which occurred on March 27, 2025, saw a group of travellers ambushed, lynched, and their truck set ablaze by vigilante members and an enraged mob.
In a statement released on Friday, the police spokesman, Moses Joel Yamu said the victims were among 25 travellers aboard a truck with registration number KKF 225 XA, which was transporting them from Elele, Rivers State.
The truck was intercepted by vigilante members at Uromi, who found some of the passengers in possession of locally made dane guns.
The vigilantes reportedly arrested some of the armed travellers, but as the situation escalated, an alarm was raised, labelling the group as suspected kidnappers.
This led to a violent attack by members of the community and passersby, resulting in the lynching of 16 travellers and the destruction of the truck.
The statement read, “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 sixteen (16) of the occupants while the truck conveying them was equally burnt.
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“Police operatives attached to the Uromi Division got wind of the incident and swiftly stormed the scene where ten (10) of the travelers were rescued, two (2) of whom sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to a hospital where they are currently positively responding to treatment.
“In the course of investigations, fourteen (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.
“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, while 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,” Yamu stated.
