Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP (retd.) Friday Ibadin, following the gruesome lynching of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred on March 27, saw an angry mob set several travellers ablaze after a local vigilante group allegedly discovered firearms in their possession while they were traveling in a Dangote Cement truck. The victims, mostly from northern Nigeria, were killed on the spot, while police intervened to rescue ten others. The deceased were buried on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, confirmed Ibadin’s suspension and announced a statewide ban on all unregistered vigilante groups.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that after a review of the preliminary report of the unfortunate incident of Thursday, 27th March 2025, at Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, involving the gruesome killing of some travellers, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state,” the statement read.
The government clarified that the vigilante group responsible for the attack was not officially recognized or registered with the Edo State Security Corps. “Its actions do not reflect the core values, character, and principles of the Okpebholo administration, or the objectives of the corps as enshrined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law,” the statement emphasized.
The government confirmed that security agencies have launched a full investigation into the killings, with 14 suspects already arrested. A special task force set up by the Inspector General of Police is currently conducting an intense manhunt for others involved in the crime.
Governor Okpebholo’s administration reiterated its stance on citizens’ constitutional rights, emphasizing that all Nigerians have the freedom to move and conduct lawful business anywhere in the country. The state government has also reached out to the victims’ families, community leaders, and the Kano State Government, as most of the deceased were from Kano.
As investigations continue, the Edo State Government has urged all affected parties to remain calm, assuring that justice will be served in a transparent and proactive manner.
“We urge all parties involved to remain calm as the state government remains committed to ensuring that justice is done in a most efficient, transparent, and proactive manner,” the statement concluded.
The lynching has sparked widespread condemnation from various quarters, including religious and political leaders, who have called for swift action to prevent a recurrence and to strengthen security across the state.
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