9 children receiving treatment at the hospital.
A man who shot at children playing football on the street in Benin City has been arrested by the police.
Abdulralman Abontaen, a member of the Edo Vigilante group was arrested for attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearm.
Abdulralman was arrested in Ogida, Benin city.
Standard Gazette gathered that the suspect angrily shot at the children who were playing street football on April 23 April 2022.
Abduralman had warned the children to stop playing football as they had allegedly destroyed his property prior.
SG learned that when they defied him, the angry Vigilante vented, stormed into his house, took his unlicensed gun and shot at the children, injuring 9.
Very apologetic, Abduralman said “I told them to stop playing football in my area and they refused to listen to me.
“They had used the ball to destroy things in my house and that was why I warned them. I asked them to go to the public and they stayed.
“I shot the gun out of anger as I suspected them to be secret cult members. I regret it now and thank God no one died.”
Standard Gazette correspondent, Festus Alenkhe visited the hospital where the children are currently receiving treatment.
one of the victims, 16, told our ccorrespondent that “I was shocked when the man pointed his gun at us and that is all I can remember until I woke up here at the hospital. I thought I was dead. I am 16 years old. My other friends were also shot and are in critical condition now.”
The head of Egor Local Government Administration and the Acting Council Chairman Dr Igbinigie who was at the hospital to see the injured kids described the insident as “shocking”
He added “We want the police to. Investigate the incident and ensure the right thing is done.”
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bello Kontong said the suspect mental Heath will be checked as the investigation progresses.
The suspect will be arraigned in court for attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearm,” SP Kontong said.
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