Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered an immediate ban on all unregistered vigilante groups operating within the state and suspended the commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, following the gruesome killing of 16 hunters in Uromi.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Secretary to the State Government, Okpebholo condemned the attack and clarified that the vigilante group responsible for the killings was not officially recognized by the state security apparatus.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, saw a mob in the Uromi area lynching 16 hunters of northern origin who were traveling from Elele, Rivers State.
According to police reports, the hunters were mistaken for kidnappers after local vigilantes discovered 19 locally fabricated firearms in their possession.
President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators face justice.
“It is to be reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of March 27 was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with the Edo State Security Corps,” the statement read.
The Edo government emphasized that the group’s actions do not reflect the values of the Okpebholo administration or the objectives of the state’s security governance law.
Authorities confirmed that 14 suspects have been arrested, while a special police team has been deployed to track down others linked to the attack.
“The Edo State Government believes in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely and engage in lawful business anywhere in the country.
“We remain committed to ensuring that justice is done transparently and efficiently,” the statement added.
The government also disclosed that it is engaging with the victims’ families, community leaders, and the Kano State Government, as most of the deceased hailed from the northern state.
Residents have been urged to remain calm as investigations continue.
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