Edo community vigilante accused of illegal arrest, extortion
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An Edo-based Fulani herdsman and farmer, who lives in Imoga, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Hussaini Idris, on Monday, accused members of a vigilante group in his area of harassment and extortion.
Idris said he was forced to pay N15,000 to some members of the vigilante before they released his two nephews that came to visit him from Oyo State last Saturday.
He said, “The two sons of my sister, who came from Oyo State to visit me last Saturday were illegally arrested when they were going back. They asked them where they were coming from and where they were going, and they explained to them that they came to visit me, their uncle.
“Before I got there, they had locked them in the vigilante office. I asked them if they found arms on them and I told them they are my nephews who came to visit me and were returning to their mother.
They refused to release them and I had to part with them. I had to pay N15,000 to secure their release. I have been staying in Imoga for the past three years. I have cows, and rams and I also own a farm here.
“I have just returned from Ibillo Police Station to make a formal report,” he added.
When contacted, the head of the vigilante in the area, Mr Alao Ojo, confirmed the incident and said he has reported the matter to his commander who in turn reported the incident to the police.
He said necessary action would be taken against those involved, assuring that some bad eggs in the group would be flushed out.
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