Benin City, Edo State, Tragedy struck on Wire Road in Benin City as three members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) were reportedly gunned down by suspected cultists in a brazen daylight attack.

 

UGAMA TV gathered that the victims, identified as Eghosa Onaiwu, Lucky, and Charles, were unarmed and relaxing at a residence when gunmen arrived in a Lexus jeep and opened fire, killing them instantly.

 

Another individual, believed to have been sitting nearby, sustained gunshot wounds from stray bullets and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

 

According to eyewitnesses, the assailants stormed the area in commando fashion, shooting indiscriminately and causing panic in the neighbourhood before fleeing the scene.

 

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the incident. In a statement, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, disclosed that a 33-year-old suspect, Bello Salami, has been arrested in connection with the killings.

 

“The suspect was apprehended at the Benin Airport while attempting to flee the city,” Yamu said. “Investigations are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang. The arrested suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.”

 

 

The attack has heightened concerns over renewed cult-related violence in parts of Edo State, prompting calls for improved intelligence gathering and community policing