By Jethro Ibileke
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has taken decisive action following the horrific killing of travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
In a swift response to the tragedy, he has ordered the immediate suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), and disbanded all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state.
A statement issued on Sunday by Umar Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government, confirmed the decision, describing it as necessary after reviewing preliminary reports of the gruesome attack.
Ikhilor stated that the vigilante group responsible for the killings was operating illegally, as it was neither profiled nor registered with the Edo State Security Corps.
He emphasized that its actions did not reflect the values, character, or security objectives of the Okpebholo administration.
The statement further revealed that investigations were in full swing, with a special police team set up by the Inspector General of Police already arresting 14 suspects, while an intense manhunt was ongoing for others connected to the killings.
The Edo government, according to Ikhilor, remained in touch with the families of the victims, community leaders, and the Government of Kano State, where most of the deceased reportedly hailed from.
He urged the public to remain calm, assuring that the government was fully committed to ensuring justice in a transparent and efficient manner.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, however, wasted no time in slamming the Okpebholo-led administration, accusing it of completely losing control of the security situation and failing to protect the people.
In a strongly worded statement issued by its Caretaker Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, the party said the government’s suspension of the Security Corps commander was a clear admission that the security architecture in the state had collapsed.
“The February 5 mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps was an early warning sign of deep-rooted inefficiencies, yet Senator Monday Okpebholo chose to ignore it. Now, Edo people are paying the price with their lives,” Nehikhare declared.
The PDP expressed deep distress over the fact that a vigilante group, which had no oversight or proper registration, was allowed to take up arms and engage in extrajudicial killings.
It described this as a damning indictment of the Okpebholo administration, accusing the governor of failing to regulate, train, and coordinate security efforts across the state.
Demanding urgent action, the PDP insisted that the state’s security corps must undergo a comprehensive audit to eliminate unregistered groups and restore accountability.
It called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for the Uromi killings, including their sponsors, and urged the deployment of federal security agencies to stabilize the worsening security situation.
The party further proposed a bipartisan security summit involving traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders to draft a new security framework for Edo State.
Expressing deep frustration, the PDP warned that the safety of Edo people could not be sacrificed at the altar of incompetence.
It insisted that Governor Okpebholo must rise to the occasion and take decisive action or accept that his administration had failed and step aside for those capable of securing the lives and properties of Edo citizens.
“Edo State cannot continue on this perilous path. The PDP remains committed to advocating for the protection of all citizens and ensuring that justice prevails,” Nehikhare concluded.
