5 suspected kidnappers set ablaze in Edo

Five gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, were at the weekend, burnt to death along the Afuze-Uokha road in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that the suspected kidnappers were set ablaze by locals, after they were arrested by vigilante members.

The suspects allegedly kidnapped some travellers in the area and took them into bush, but they were arrested by vigilantes inside the bush.

After abducting the victims, the vigilante got wind of the incident and mobilised into the bush and arrested the kidnappers, sources told Daily Trust.

It was learnt that the locals, who had been angered by the spate of kidnapping in the area, on sighting the hoodlums, forcefully took them from the vigilantes, who were taking them to the police station and set them ablaze.

When contacted, the state police command’s spokesperson, Kontongs Bello, confirmed the incident.

He said, “After the kidnap, the vigilantes went in search of the criminals who they apprehended in the bush.

“As they were coming out in Uokha Community on their way to the police station, angry youths in Uokha and adjoining towns took away the suspected kidnappers from the vigilantes.

“All efforts to get the suspects to the police proved abortive as they were burnt to death.”

He said investigation on the matter was ongoing.