Two artisans, identified as Osamudiamen Ehigie and Nosa Aghimie, were reportedly lynched by a mob after being mistaken for armed robbers in the Amagba community, Benin City, Edo State.
According to sources, the victims, who were welders, were returning from a project site in the community around 6 p.m. on November 16 when they encountered armed robbers attacking residents.
The artisans reportedly fled the scene when the robbers gave them a hot chase, seeking refuge in a nearby house.
However, residents in the neighborhood, mistaking them for the robbers, apprehended and beat them to death.
The owner of the project site later arrived at the scene to plead their innocence, but the mob had already killed the duo.
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and the arrest of three suspects linked to the lynching.
Two additional suspects remain at large.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, the police spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, said, “The command is aware of the incident where two young men unfortunately lost their lives.
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime, while two others are still at large. Those arrested have already been charged to court.”
The tragic incident has sparked outrage, with calls for better public awareness to prevent mob actions and ensure due process in handling criminal allegations.
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