Nigeria: Arrest of 23-Year-Old Secondary School Graduate with Firearms in Edo
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
In a concerning development, the Edo State Police Command recently apprehended a 23-year-old secondary school graduate, Rukevwe George, on suspicion of possessing firearms. The arrest took place in Benin, the state capital, raising alarms about the proliferation of illegal weapons in the region.
Rukevwe, a former student of Baptist Medical Center Secondary School in Eku, Delta State, was found in possession of an automatic foreign-made double-barrel gun and a locally-made single-barrel gun. What made the situation more alarming was his attire; Rukevwe was dressed in military camouflage at the time of his arrest, adding another layer of concern to the authorities.
During interrogation, Rukevwe claimed that the firearms belonged to his master, a certain Ralph who is currently evading law enforcement. However, he failed to provide a credible explanation for how he obtained the military uniform. This revelation raised suspicions about potential involvement in illegal activities under the guise of military personnel.
Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, expressed deep concern over the surge in criminal activities within the state. He revealed that Rukevwe was questioned extensively, leading to the recovery of the two firearms. Despite admitting to being in possession of the guns, Rukevwe’s association with the military attire remained dubious, further complicating the investigation.
Adegboye reiterated the commitment of law enforcement to apprehend Ralph and any other accomplices involved in illegal arms trafficking and criminal activities. He emphasized the need for swift and decisive action to curb the rising tide of criminality in Edo State.
While efforts are underway to track down the fleeing suspect and his associates, the arrest of Rukevwe underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating illicit weapons trade and maintaining public safety. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced security measures and collaborative efforts to root out criminal elements operating within the community.
As the investigation progresses, authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice and the safeguarding of peace and security within Edo State. The incident serves as a call to action for greater vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies and the public to address the underlying issues contributing to crime and insecurity in the region.
