BENIN CITY – Operatives of Edo Police Command have arrested 11 persons, recovered seven assorted guns and ammunition during a raid on warring Azagba Community in Uhunmwande local government area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr Haliru Gwandu said the onslaught is aimed at mopping up arms and ammunition for the general security of the state.

CP Gwandu stated that the arms and ammunition were being used to terrorise innocent residents of the state.

While condemning the communal crisis that engulfed Azagba community last weekend, COMPOL Gwandu disclosed that the Chief Priest (Ohen) of the community Nosakhare Ogieriakhi and some elders of Azagba have been invited to the command.

When our reporter visited the embattled community yesterday, aggressive armed youths prevented him from taking shorts of several vehicles and buildings destroyed in the crisis.

It was gathered that two Assistant Superintendents Police (ASPs) sustained bullets wound during the raid in the community.

The arms, ammunition and 11 suspects arrested in connection with the communal crisis in Azagba Community, last weekend. Photo: MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
The arms, ammunition and 11 suspects arrested in connection with the communal crisis in Azagba Community, last weekend. Photo: MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

A youth who identified himself as Godfrey Owie accused the Chief Priest of using armed policemen and thugs to attack the community over land sale in the Azagba.

Contacted on the telephone, the Chief Priest of Azagba Community Nosakare Ogieriakhi said armed cultists hired by the former CDA chairman, now in prison custody for alleged murder (name withheld) invaded the community and vandalized his Palace because he asked him to give account of his ten years stewardship.

The Ohen further stated that the hoodlums who are still after his life did not spear the three vehicles they met in his Palace.

Those arrested included the  Odionwere of the community, Pa Samuel Arasomwan, 84, Pa David Igbinosun, 78, Omoyelele Ajiro, Osazee Akhimien, Anighara Collins, Edugie Edwin and Monday Ovie.

Others are Osarekhue Osadolor, Daniel John, Augustine Okoh and Onaghise Pius.

All the suspects, except Pa David Igbinosun denied knowledge of the arms and ammunition recovered.

Pa Igbinosun said the one of the double barrel guns paraded belongs to a tenant in his house.

The suspects admitted to have been arrested in Azagba community, also denied involvement in the communal fracas.