Gunmen attack: Apostle Suleman raises alarm over ‘killing’ of arrested suspect

Apostle Johson Suleman has insinuated attempt at cover up over the killing of one of the suspected gunmen who attacked his convoy at Warrake in Edo state on Friday. .

While confirming the attack in which at least six people were killed, Edo police spokesman in Edo, ASP Chidi Nwabuzor said one of the gunmen was killed.

He added that a vehicle used for the attack was also recovered.

“Upon an alarm raised, police moved to the scene, gunned down one of hoodlums and recovered one of the vehicles they used.

“As we speak, two of his drivers were murdered, three policemen were killed, one female house-help was killed and one person is missing.

“Currently, Apostle Suleman is safe and sound,’’ Nwabuzor said.

A video has also been circulating online showing the gunman that was killed with the narration that he was gunned down by police who responded to the attack.

But in reaction to the claim in the video, Apostle Suleman disputed the claim that the suspect was killed in gun battle with the police.

Apostle Suleman who reacted on his twitter handle said his attackers were not kidnappers.

He also alleged that the suspect was handed over to the police alive, but was killed immediately.

He said, “Lies…there weren’t kidnappers…

” He was caught and handed over and the police killed him immediately…why?..why killing him on the spot?.who is trying to cover up traces?.”

The attack took place on Warrake-Auchi, Road in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo.

An eyewitness said the gunmen in a Toyota Avalon car and a Toyota Sienna wagon blocked all other vehicles on the highway, manoeuvred their way to Suleman’s motorcade and opened fire on his vehicles.

“His wife and children were in the motorcade and in the same vehicle as Apostle Suleiman. His car that was at the head of the motorcade escaped, however,’’ he said.

Legal Adviser to the Ministry, Mr Sam Amune, described the attack as a case of “attempted assassination’’.

“I think it was a case of attempted assassination because the assailants who were in the Avalon and Sienna vehicles stopped other vehicles to reach Apostle Suleman’s motorcade but they did not take anybody.

“People just stopped and watched as the drama unfolded.

“Apostle just ended a programme in Tanzania on Wednesday and flew to Lagos and then to Benin where his family joined him.

“His children normally ride in a separate vehicle, but this time they rode with their father while the domestic staff rode in the children’s vehicle.

“It is very unfortunate to lose lives this way,’’ Amune said.

(NAN) GE/ALLI

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