Gunmen kill 3 vigilantes in Edo

Gunmen suspected to be cultists on Tuesday reportedly killed three members of the Edo State Security Corps, also known as vigilantes, in Benin City. One other person, who sustained injuries during the attack, was said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Benin City. It was learned that one of the suspects, identified […]

Gunmen suspected to be cultists on Tuesday reportedly killed three members of the Edo State Security Corps, also known as vigilantes, in Benin City.

One other person, who sustained injuries during the attack, was said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Benin City.

It was learned that one of the suspects, identified as Bello Salami, was arrested by the police while trying to escape from the town.

It was gathered that the deceased, identified as Eghosa Onaiwu, Lucky and Charles, who were not armed, were shot dead by their assailants on Wire Road.

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The vigilantes were reportedly relaxing in a house on Wire Road when the gunmen, in a Lexus jeep, stormed the area in a commando style and reportedly opened fire on them, killing them on the spot.

One other person, who was sitting close to the house, was said to have been hit by their bullets.

There was tension in the area as the gunmen shot indiscriminately in an attempt to escape.

Sources said shortly after the incident, police received intelligence reports that one of the principal suspects was at the Benin airport trying to escape from Benin City and was apprehended by police operatives at the airport division.

The police spokesperson in the state, CSP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident, said one Bello Salami (33) was arrested at the Benin airport while trying to escape.

He said investigation was ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang, assuring that the arrested suspect would be prosecuted.