Gallant Hunter Shot Dead While Pursuing Kidnappers In Edo Forest (Photo)

 

A hunter has been shot dead while chasing kidnappers in a forest at Ufa, in Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

 

The deceased has been identified as Suru Abanta, popularly known as Odonkoro.

 

He was reported shot dead by suspected kidnappers while he, his colleagues, and other members of the local vigilante group were combing the large stretch of forest around Igarra and neighbouring communities for kidnapers and to rescue their victims.

 

Nigerian Tribune reported that five people were kidnapped within two days along the farm road in Igarra. One of the kidnapped victims, it was gathered, was released after an undisclosed ransom was paid.

 

A member of the vigilante group, who witnessed the killing, said the incident happened on Tuesday while one of the kidnappers was arrested on Wednesday.

 

"We divided ourselves into two groups and went in different directions. But unknown to us, the kidnappers had sighted us. So, while we were trying to take a position, they shot him and they were trying to round us up but our colleagues, who heard the gunshot, started running in our direction and that was how the kidnappers ran away in panic. We later got to their camp, where we saw some items including a phone without battery, sim card and other cooked and raw food,” the eyewitness told the publication.

 

Speaking of the arrested suspect, the source said: “The man disguised as if he was waiting for a commercial vehicle along the Igarra – Ibillo road where he was caught and has been handed over to the police." 

 

Reacting to the state of security, the Edo State Government said it was training members of the vigilante group to strengthen security in the state.

 

The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare, disclosed this at a press conference on Wednesday, August 9. 

 

“As we speak, the Edo State Government is training over 1,500 people for the vigilante assignment. A few weeks ago, we did six local government areas, and we did it at the Mobile Police Training School at Ogida Barracks which the Edo State Government renovated and fixed with the same qualities as Edo State buildings,” Nehikhare stated.