Fijabi Olanrewaju
EDO State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups and the Commander of the State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin (rtd).
Umar Musa Îkhilor, Esq., Secretary to the State Government, in a statement, said that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of 27h March 2025 at Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of the state was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps.
Its actions, the state government insists, 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 state government further stated that investigations into the killings are ongoing even as fourteen (14) persons have so far been arrested, while there is an intense manhunt for others involved in the gruesome killing by a special team set up by the Inspector General of Police.
The government of Edo State reiterates its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country.
“In the meantime, the government is in touchı with families of the victims, community leaders and the government of Kano State where most of the deceased are reported to hail from.
“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.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that an unfortunate incident akin to jungle justice occurred resulting in the murder of 16 travellers said to be hunters who were on their way to Kano from Port Harcourt for the Sallah celebration as a mob intercepted and lynched them on suspicion that they were kidnappers.
Eighteen-Eleven Media