BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state following the gruesome killing of some travelers last Thursday in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the governor also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (Rtd.).
According to the statement, the vigilante group involved in the killings was not registered or profiled under the Edo State Security Corps, making its operations illegal.
The government emphasized that the actions of the group do not reflect the values and principles of the Okpebholo administration or the objectives of the security corps as outlined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.
The statement further revealed that investigations into the incident are ongoing, with 14 persons already arrested, while a special police team set up by the Inspector General of Police is conducting a manhunt for other suspects involved in the attack.
The Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all citizens to move freely and engage in lawful business anywhere in the country.
Additionally, the government is in contact with the families of the victims, community leaders, and the Kano State Government, as most of the deceased are reportedly from Kano.
Governor Okpebholo urged all stakeholders to remain calm, assuring the public that his administration is committed to ensuring justice is served in a transparent and efficient manner.
