Three members of the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, have reportedly been killed by gunmen suspected to be cultists.
It was gathered that another individual who sustained injuries during the attack is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Benin City.
The Edo State Police Command, which confirmed the incident, stated that one suspect, identified as Bello Salami, 33, has been arrested in connection with the killings.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, said the suspect was apprehended at the Benin Airport while attempting to evade justice.
Yamu added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, while the arrested suspect will be prosecuted in court.
It was learnt that the deceased members of the State Security Corps, namely Eghosa Onaiwu, Lucky, and Charles, were unarmed when they were shot dead by their assailants on Wire Road.
A source who spoke to journalists said the vigilantes were relaxing at a house on Wire Road when the gunmen, arriving in a Lexus jeep, stormed the area in commando style and opened fire, killing them on the spot.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, further disclosed that another individual, who had been sitting near the house, was reportedly struck by stray bullets.
He added that the incident sparked panic in the neighbourhood, as the gunmen fired indiscriminately while fleeing the scene.
He explained that shortly after the attack, police received intelligence that one of the principal suspects was at the Benin Airport attempting to flee the city, and he was promptly apprehended by operatives of the airport police division.
