BY IDAHOSA MUSA
The Edo State Police Command has arrested one Bello Salami, a suspected member of the Maphite confraternity, in connection with the killing of three members of the Edo State Security Corps over the weekend in Benin City.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect, Bello Salami, 33, was arrested at the Benin Airport while attempting to flee.
He stated that an investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, while the arrested suspect will be prosecuted in court.
It will be recalled that three members of the Edo State Security Corps, popularly known as vigilantes, were reportedly shot dead by suspected cultists near a popular brothel along Wire Road in Benin.
The deceased, identified as Eghosa Onaiwu, Lucky, and Charles, were said to have been unarmed when they were shot dead by their assailants.
According to reports, the vigilantes were relaxing at a house on Wire Road when gunmen in a Lexus jeep stormed the area in a commando style and opened fire on them, killing the three on the spot.
One other person sitting near the house was also reportedly hit by stray bullets.
Sources said there was tension in the area as the gunmen fired indiscriminately in a bid to escape.
It was gathered that immediately after the incident, police received intelligence that one of the principal suspects was at the Benin Airport attempting to flee the city, leading to his arrest by operatives of the airport police division.
Meanwhile, the person who sustained injuries in the attack is said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the state.
