The Edo State Police Command has arrested a vigilante member who shot and wounded nine children playing football on the street in Benin City.
Abdurahma Agbontaen, a member of the Edo Vigilante group was arrested for attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearm.
It was gathered that the suspect angrily shot at the children who were playing football in Enabulele Street, Ogida Quarters on April 23, 2022.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Bello Kontongs, who confirmed the incident said the injured kids were taken to Stella Obasanjo Hospital for treatment.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Speaking, the suspect claimed he had warned the children to stop playing football as they had allegedly previously destroyed his property.
When they defied him, he stormed into his house, took his unlicensed gun and shot at the children, injuring nine of them.
“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 the Acting Council Chairman, Dr Osaheni Igbinigie, who was at the hospital to see the injured kids, described the incident as shocking.
“We want the police to investigate the incident and ensure the right thing is done.” Igbinigie said.
SP Kontong said the suspect’s mental heath will be checked as investigation progresses.
“The suspect will be arraigned in court for attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearm.” he added.