Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Several number of suspected bandits and Kidnappers have been reportedly apprehended at Donchi Donchi Hotel, Odighie road, Agbede in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The arrest was said to have been made on Saturday at about 3pm by a combined team of policemen and local vigilante who acted on credible intelligence report of the presence of strange persons who had lodged at the hotel.
The suspects were said to have arrived in two Hilux vehicles, prompting curious members of the community and local vigilante to raise the alarm about their motives and immediately contacted Agbede Police station about their presence in the community.
Operatives of the Police Station reportedly stormed the hotel and arrested some of the suspects with large number of assault rifles, including AK 47 and other dangerous weapons.
A viral post of the incident by a resident of Agbede Community, Barr Abdul Hakeem Enatto and Chairman Hakeem Enatto Charity Foundation on his Facebook handle, said “A group of men suspected to be bandits and kidnappers have just been arrested at DonChi Donchi Hotel Odighie Road, Agbede, Ward 7, Etsako West LGA.
“A combined team of Local Vigilante and Agbede Police Division led by the DPO, CSP Donald, surrounded the Hotel where they lodged.
The gunmen came with 2 two Hilux trucks but at the time they got to the hotel only one was packed so they patiently waited until the second one drove into the hotel premises and were immediately rounded up.
“This success was achieved following a tip off from some good Samaritans.
I have just reached out to the DPO who confirmed the said arrest.
“A number of Ak 47 riffle, Pump action, locally made rifle and double barrel and other dangerous weapons were recovered from them”, he said.
But in his response, the manager of the Hotel, Alhaji Kadiri Sadiq, said no arms was found with the suspects, explaining that they only came there to lodge for a short rest before proceeding on their journey.
“It was when we suspected something sinister that we placed a call to the DPO who came and arrested them. They have been taken to the police for further investigation”, he added.
However at press time, the Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Iyamu, did not respond to call made to his mobile phone by our correspondent.