The Edo State Police Command has arrested a vigilante, Abdurahma Agbontaen for shooting and wounding nine children playing football on a street in Benin City.
The vigilante was arrested on grounds of attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms.
The incident occurred around Enabulele Street, Ogida Quarters on April 23, 2022, while the children were playing football,
Spokesperson of the Edo State Police command, SP Bello Kontongs, who confirmed the incident said the victims were taken to Stella Obasanjo Hospital for treatment.
Kontongs said: “At about 09.00hrs on April 23, 2022, following a distress call, one Abdurahma Agbontaen of Enabulele Street, Benin was arrested after shooting at kids playing football on the street.
“He used a pump-action automatic gun in the attack, with nine of the kids sustaining various degrees of injuries and were taken to Stella Obasanjo Hospital for medical attention. The suspect was arrested and the firearm was recovered from him.”
Narrating his side of the story,, the suspect claimed that he warned the children to stop playing football because they had previously destroyed his property.
He added that, they disobeyed him so he went into his house, got his gun, shot at them and injured nine of them.
In his words, “I told them to stop playing football in my area and they refused to listen to me. They have used the ball to destroy things in my house and that was why I warned them. I asked them to go elsewhere and they refused. I shot the gun out of anger as I suspected them to be members of a secret society. I regret it now and I thank God no one died.”
The Head of Egor Local Government Administration and Acting Council Chairman, Dr Osaheni Igbinigie, who visited the victims at the hospital described the incident as shocking while also demanding that the matter be investigated and the suspect arraigned in court.
“We want the police to investigate the incident and ensure the right thing is done.
“The suspect will be arraigned in court for attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearm.”