By Benson George
Four hunters from Kano State have been arrested by security operatives in Edo State. The individuals — Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu — were apprehended at Americanus Hotel on Osemwenkhae Street, near Big Joe Motors, Ramat Park, in the Orogbeni Quarters area of Benin City.
According to the Edo State Police Command, the suspects were found in possession of firearms and other weapons. They were arrested by operatives of the Edo State Security Network in the Ramat, Ikpoba Hill area, after authorities discovered cutlasses concealed in their bags.
CSP Moses Yamu, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, confirmed the arrest and clarified that the individuals were hunters, not herdsmen as had been inaccurately reported on social media.
He stated that the hunters were intercepted with three dane guns, six empty cartridges, three partially used cartridges, four cutlasses, and two daggers. The suspects are currently being interrogated by officers at the Ikpoba Hill Police Station.
According to Yamu, the hunters were en route from Doguwa in Kano State to Uvbe Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State. He added that investigations are still ongoing.
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation that could incite unnecessary panic or tension within the state.
This incident follows a recent tragedy in the Uromi area of Edo State, where 16 hunters from Kano were killed while traveling for the Sallah holidays. The mob attack, which resulted in nationwide outrage, has raised concerns about safety and the spread of false narratives.
