Iron Scavenger Caught with Pump-Action Rifle in Edo, Sparks Outrage and Speculation

Tension flared in Auchi, Edo State, after residents apprehended an iron scavenger found in possession of a pump-action rifle—a weapon typically associated with serious security threats rather than street-level scavenging.

The dramatic moment was captured in a viral TikTok video posted by user @leftistscorner, showing locals confronting the suspect, who claimed he was holding the gun for someone named “Emma.”

The video has since ignited a wave of online reactions ranging from fear and suspicion to outright disbelief:

• @Psalm 91🫶🙏 warned, “Make whona no let police collect the gun. You guys should keep the gun for security purposes because this Fulani people don enter states oooo.”

• @ozil 001 speculated, “Make una no calm down investigate am una go see say na one cultist go hide the gun for him hand.”

• @Anegbe Abdul mocked, “Pumpy wey person hide na him go root out so …his learning in hard way 😂😂.”

• @aghayedouyioghosa pointed fingers: “Emma need to be apprehended…..this guy na just messenger.”

• @King_marcus_the_first exclaimed: “Jesus Christ thank God he was caught o .. Better Pumpy.”

• @DAN LIVING LARGE 🇺🇸🚘🚘🏡 expressed alarm: “Omo were this one see pumpin from again bro, we don die for Hausa people hand God.”

• @👑Believe Nation ⚓ added humor: “It gets the way them take dry load am the weight go up 😂.”

What We Know So Far:

• The suspect is a metal scavenger whose real identity remains undisclosed.

• He was found in broad daylight with the pump-action rifle.

• Locals say he offered little resistance but gave up the name “Emma” as the source of the weapon.

What’s Next:

Authorities are yet to release an official statement, but residents have called for a thorough investigation, particularly into the identity of “Emma,” whom many suspect to be part of a wider network, possibly involving cult groups or illegal arms circulation.

This disturbing incident raises growing concerns about arms infiltration into civilian spaces, especially under the guise of informal work like scavenging.

With rising insecurity across many Nigerian states, including Edo, the situation underscores the urgent need for stronger community-police collaboration, tighter arms control, and increased vigilance among citizens.