In a tragic incident, a hunter from the Ufa area in Igarra, Akoko-Edo local government area of Edo State, Mr. Suru Abanta, commonly known as Odonkoro, was fatally shot yesterday by suspected kidnappers. The incident occurred while the hunter, his colleagues, and other members of the local vigilante group were carrying out a search operation for kidnappers and their victims in the vast forest surrounding Igarra and neighboring communities.
The area has recently witnessed a surge in kidnapping cases, with five people abducted within two days along various farm roads in Igarra. One of the victims was released after a ransom of N1 million.
According to a witness from the vigilante group, the incident took place on Tuesday as the group split into two teams and ventured in different directions. Unknown to them, the kidnappers had already spotted their presence. When they attempted to take their positions, the kidnappers opened fire, tragically hitting and killing the hunter. However, the sound of the gunshot alerted their colleagues, who rushed to their aid and caused the kidnappers to flee in panic. Upon reaching the kidnappers’ camp later, various items such as a phone without a battery, a sim card, and cooked and raw food were discovered.
Following the incident, one suspect was apprehended the following day when they disguised themselves as a commuter waiting for a commercial vehicle along the Igarra-Ibillo road. The suspect has since been handed over to the police for further investigation.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare said “As we speak, the Edo State government is training over 1,500 people for the vigilante assignment. Few weeks ago, we did six local government areas and we did at the Mobile Police Training School at Ogida barracks which Edo State government renovated and fixed with the same qualities as Edo State buildings, we are getting their biometrics, we are reconditioning them to think like law enforcement agencies and they are to protect the lives of Edo people, our state is more secured and these are being done by these men, they are part of the security arrangement and we are very proud of them because we want Edo to be one of the safest states in the country and we will continue to retraining these volunteers.”
