An angry mob in Edo has reportedly killed two artisans mistaken for armed robbers in Amagba community in Benin City.
Both victims, Osamudiamen Ehigie and Nosa Aghimie, were later identified as welders.
The Edo State Police Command says it has since arrested three suspects for their involvement in the killing of the two artisans.
Spokesman of the command, SP. Moses Yamu, on Monday, November 25, 2024, said the suspects, Frank Abolo, 37, Samson Odewole, 22, and Happy Ohiowere, 25, have been charged to court for murder.
The mobbed men were returning from a project site in the community about 6pm on November 16 when they ran into gunmen who were robbing some residents.
The suspected robbers pursued the artisans, who ran into a house in the neighbourhood to take refuge.
According to the source, the residents in the neighborhood who mistook them for the robbers, apprehended them and beat them to death.
Police have exonerated the two artisans from the said crime and arrested three suspects alleged to have been directly involved in the lynching.
When contacted, SP Moses Yamu, spokesman of the police command in Edo, on Monday, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the three suspects for murder.
“The command is aware of the incident where two young boys unfortunately met their deaths.
“The command commenced an investigation in that regard and immediately arrested three suspects, while two other suspects are at large. Those arrested have since been charged.”
