Gunmen suspected to be cultists have reportedly killed three operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) in Benin City.
One other person, who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack, is currently being treated at an unnamed hospital in the state capital.
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the incident. A suspect, “Bello Salami, 33,” was arrested in connection with the killings.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, “Moses Yamu,” the suspect was picked up at the Benin Airport while trying to escape.
“Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang,” Yamu said, adding that the arrested suspect will face prosecution.
The fallen ESSC officers have been identified as “Eghosa Onaiwu, Lucky, and Charles.”
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They were reportedly unarmed when the attackers shot them dead on Wire Road.
A witness told reporters that the vigilantes were seated at a house along Wire Road when the assailants, arriving in a Lexus jeep, launched a sudden attack and shot them on the spot.
The source, who did not want to be named, said a bystander close to the house was also hit by stray bullets.
He added that the shooting caused chaos in the neighbourhood, with the attackers firing randomly as they fled the scene.
He explained that after the shooting, police received information that one of the main suspects was at the Benin Airport, Officers from the airport division immediately moved in and arrested him.