Police seize weapons from vigilante groups in Edo

There is great tension in some parts of Edo State as police operatives seized weapons from volunteer forces, popularly known as vigilantes.

The Police Command seized weapons from the vigilantes in Uromi following an order from the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.

The development has since snowballed into a heavy protest, which started since on Sunday, heightening security concerns in the state.

One of the protesting vigilantes told newsmen that “We are here until they answer us; I’ve been a vigilante for 21 years.”

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Many protesters said they received formal training from the government, including arms handling, tactical movement, and other security operations.

They said they were also issued certificates after completing the exercise and have worked closely with the Divisional Police Officers for many years in curbing insecurity.

However, after the brutal mob attack on 16 northern travellers in Uromi, CP Agbonika ordered the retrieval of weapons as part of a broader overhaul of the state’s security architecture upon assumption of office.

Upon complying with his order, the Commissioner of Police went on live television to announce the retrieval of over 2,000 guns and other weapons from volunteer force members.

“They trained us on how to shoot, dive, and do many things. After training, they gave us our certificates. Unfortunately, when the new CP came, he said he wanted to repair Edo State and we respect him as a good citizen of Edo State, we used our hands to give him our guns,” another protester added.

The attack on the northern hunters happened when an illegal vigilante group intercepted the travellers with weapons, labelled them as kidnappers and burnt them alive.

The incident attracted widespread condemnation from government, religious leaders and northerners, including the Arewa Consultative Forum.

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