The Edo State Police Command intercepted four hunters from Kano State who were traveling into the state with arms and ammunition. The arrests, made by operatives of the Edo Security Network, have sparked concern and confusion, particularly with circulating rumours on social media suggesting that herdsmen were involved. However, the police have clarified that the suspects are hunters, not herdsmen, as some reports mistakenly indicated.
The police action took place when the four men, identified as Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu, were stopped and apprehended. According to a statement issued by the state police on Saturday night, the hunters were intercepted at a location in the state, where items such as three Dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses, and two daggers were recovered from them.
The Edo State Police Command sought to address misinformation that had been widely spread across social media platforms. The circulating reports wrongly stated that four armed herdsmen had been arrested at the Americanus Hotel on Osemwenkhae Street in Benin City, the state capital. These reports further claimed that the herdsmen had been handed over to the police after being caught in possession of firearms.
To clear the air, the police highlighted that the four individuals were not herdsmen but hunters from Doguwa, a town in Kano State. The hunters were reportedly on their way to Uvbe, a community in Orhionwon Local Government Area of Edo State, when they were intercepted. The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, took the opportunity to warn the public against spreading false information that could cause unnecessary panic and unrest.
“This is to inform the general public that the four suspects, namely Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu, were apprehended by a member of the Edo Security Network. They were found in possession of three Dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses, and two daggers, and were subsequently taken to the Ikpoba Hill Police Station. Preliminary investigations reveal that they are hunters, not herdsmen,” the police statement said.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the police are focusing on the intended destination and purpose of the hunters’ journey. The discovery of arms and ammunition raises concerns over possible security threats, especially in light of the growing violence and criminal activities associated with armed groups in different parts of Nigeria.
This incident comes at a time when security forces across the country are increasingly on alert due to the rising levels of criminal activity involving armed groups, including bandits, herders, and other violent elements. In recent years, conflicts between farmers and herders over land and grazing routes have led to violent clashes, particularly in the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria. The use of arms by non-state actors, including hunters, is seen as part of the broader security challenges facing the country.
While the police have been quick to clarify that these men were not herdsmen, the confusion surrounding the incident highlights the growing tension between local communities and the various groups operating in rural and urban areas. The Edo State police are urging the public to refrain from spreading misleading information that could exacerbate existing fears and create unnecessary divisions within society.
In the statement, the police further called on the citizens of Edo State to continue their cooperation with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of the state. “The Edo State Police Command is committed to maintaining peace and security in the state. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly,” the statement added.
Edo State, which has witnessed its fair share of security challenges, including armed robbery and cultism, has also been a key focal point for the Edo Security Network, a local volunteer group tasked with assisting the police in maintaining law and order. This collaboration has been credited with significantly reducing crime rates in various communities.
The Edo police have made it clear that the investigation into the hunters’ motives will continue, and any necessary legal action will be taken based on the findings. At the same time, they are working to ensure that such incidents do not escalate into broader security concerns.
In response to growing public anxiety, the police have urged Nigerians, particularly residents of Edo State, to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information. The government’s call for responsible reporting is seen as a crucial step in reducing tension and fostering a sense of unity during a time of heightened security challenges.
This latest incident is another reminder of the volatile security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the southern and middle-belt regions, where armed groups often operate with little oversight. As the investigation continues, authorities are hoping to uncover the true intentions of the Kano hunters and ensure that those responsible for any potential criminal activity face appropriate legal consequences.
The Edo State Police Command has also reassured the public that they are working tirelessly to prevent any form of insecurity in the state and are committed to upholding law and order. With a renewed focus on community policing, the authorities are hopeful that such proactive measures will help curb the rising tide of crime and violence in the region.
As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen whether these hunters were simply on a routine mission or if they were part of a larger, more dangerous network operating in the area. Regardless of the outcome, the Edo State Police Command has made it clear that they are ready to take swift and decisive action to protect the safety and security of their citizens.
