From Moshood Karim
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken swift action in response to the tragic events of March 27, when a group of travellers was brutally killed in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
The Governor has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.), and announced a ban on all illegal vigilante groups operating within the State.
The victims, mostly from northern Nigeria, were reportedly set on fire by a mob after a local vigilante group alleged that they had been carrying firearms in a Dangote Cement truck. The police were able to rescue 10 individuals from the scene, while the bodies of the deceased were buried on Saturday.
The suspension of Ibadin and the subsequent ban on unregistered vigilante groups was confirmed in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, who stressed the gravity of the situation.
The statement, issued on Sunday, read: “It is hereby announced that after reviewing the preliminary report regarding the tragic incident of Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Uromi, Governor Okpebholo has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state, regardless of their guise.”
It went on to confirm that the group responsible for the killings was operating unlawfully, as it had not been registered or profiled with the Edo State Security Corps. The statement further condemned the actions of the vigilantes, asserting that their behaviour was incompatible with the values upheld by the Okpebholo administration.
“Investigations are ongoing,” the statement added, “and 14 individuals have already been arrested. A special team, led by the Inspector General of Police, is currently working to apprehend other suspects involved in the killings.”
The State government reiterated its commitment to upholding citizens’ constitutional rights to free movement and business, while also expressing solidarity with the families of the victims.
“We are in contact with the victims’ families, community leaders, and the Kano State Government, where many of the deceased are believed to have originated,” the statement concluded. “We urge all those involved to remain calm, as the government is fully committed to ensuring that justice is served swiftly and transparently.”
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