A 17-year-old student, Uyiosa Ehigiamusoe was among the 31 suspected members of violent gangs paraded yesterday by the Edo State Police Command. The suspected gangsters were believed to be behind recent gang-related killings across the state.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mohammadu Hurdi who paraded the suspects at a press briefing in Benin City yesterday, said they were arrested in their various hideouts in Uromi, Ekpoma and Benin City.
Others paraded include Ojo Nasiru, 20 and Joseph Ajayi, 20.
Mr Hurdi said no fewer than five persons were reported killed in clashes between rival gang groups across the state. He stated that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed on the matter.
Caught in cross fire
Among those killed was a middle-aged man who allegedly returned to Benin City from Abuja on Monday night. He was said to have visited his girlfriend on his way before getting home. He was, however, unlucky as he was caught in a shoot-out by suspected gang members before getting to his house.
“We call on the general public and the good people of Edo to give us relevant information to bring to an end this issue of cultism, because we have to preserve the sanctity of lives and nobody has the right to take another person’s life,” Mr Hurdi said. “We should do our best and join hands together to ensure that people in the state live happily.” There has been a upsurge in gang-related violence in Benin City in recent times, making life unsafe for the people.
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