The Edo State Police Command has strongly condemned the killing of 16 travellers along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway in Udune Efandion Community, Edo State. On March 27, 2025, a group of travellers was ambushed, lynched, and their truck set on fire by vigilante members and an enraged mob.
CSP Moses Joel Yamu explained that the truck was intercepted by vigilantes at Uromi after they discovered that some passengers were carrying locally made dane guns. Although some armed travellers were initially arrested by the vigilantes, the situation rapidly escalated when an alarm was raised, branding the group as suspected kidnappers.
The escalation led to a violent attack by community members and passersby. Yamu’s statement included the following details:
“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.
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.
The incident has prompted the deployment of additional Police Mobile Force units and tactical teams to maintain order. The Commissioner of Police has also called for calm and urged residents to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence to prevent further escalation.
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