Three men have been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly lynching two innocent welders in Edo State, mistakenly accusing them of being armed robbers.
The incident occurred in Amagba, a suburban community in Benin City, Oredo Local Government Area, on the evening of the crime.
The victims, identified as Osamudiamen Ehigie and Nosa Aghimie, were returning from a worksite when they were caught in a case of mistaken identity.
It was reported that at around 6 pm, the welders crossed paths with a group of gunmen who had just completed a robbery in the area.
The gunmen, seeing the two men, reportedly gave chase, believing them to be part of the criminal gang.
In the confusion that followed, Ehigie and Aghimie ran into a nearby house to hide, hoping to escape the apparent threat.
However, local residents, who had also assumed the welders were involved in the robbery, apprehended the men.
Without confirming their identities or motives, the angry crowd subjected the two men to a brutal beating, eventually leading to their deaths.
Authorities were later notified, and preliminary investigations by the police cleared the welders of any involvement in the robbery.
The police also received confirmation from the owner of the worksite where the victims had been employed that they were innocent.
State Police Spokesperson, SP Moses Joel Yamu, confirmed the tragic deaths and provided details of the investigation.
“We are aware of the unfortunate deaths of these two young men,” Yamu said. “An investigation has been launched, and three suspects have been arrested, while two others are still at large. The three arrested individuals have been charged with murder, and they will face prosecution in court.”
The Suspects: Frank Abolo, Samson Odewole, and Happy Ohio
The three men arrested in connection with the lynching have been identified as Frank Abolo (37), Samson Odewole (22), and Happy Ohio (25).
These suspects, along with two others who remain at large, are accused of taking part in the deadly act of jungle justice.
The police have been working hard to locate the other two suspects, but their identities and whereabouts remain unknown.
Abolo, Odewole, and Ohio are facing serious charges of murder, and they were arraigned in court on November 25, 2024, to answer for their actions.
Speaking to newsmen, SP Moses Yamu condemned the act of jungle justice, emphasizing that the law must take its course.
“We have taken this matter very seriously,” Yamu said. “The law does not allow anyone to take the law into their own hands, no matter the circumstances. These suspects must face the consequences of their actions.”
The Tragic Events that Led to the Lynching
The tragic chain of events began when the welders, who were innocently returning from their workplace, encountered gunmen who had just carried out a robbery in the neighborhood.
In the chaos, the gunmen mistook the welders for robbers and began chasing them. The welders, likely fearing for their lives, fled and sought refuge in a nearby house.
However, by the time they were caught by the locals, the situation had spiraled out of control. The crowd, already on edge and quick to judge, believed the two men were part of the robbery gang.
Without taking the time to investigate further, the residents viciously attacked Ehigie and Aghimie, resulting in their deaths.
It wasn’t until after the police arrived and began their investigation that it was determined that the two men had no involvement in the crime.
“We have been able to confirm that the two men were innocent,” SP Yamu stated. “They were victims of a tragic case of mistaken identity. They were hardworking men who had no connection to the robbery.”
Community Reaction and Public Outcry
The tragic loss of two innocent lives has sparked widespread outrage in the community and beyond. Many residents are now questioning the prevalence of jungle justice in the area and the dangers of acting without proper evidence.
Local leaders and activists have condemned the actions of the suspects, calling for stronger measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
