KEY POINTS

• Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state, following the gruesome killing of some travelers in Uromi.
• The governor also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), and 14 persons have been arrested in connection with the killings.
• The government has assured that justice will be pursued swiftly, transparently, and effectively, and has urged all parties involved to remain calm.

Edo State Governor, 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.

Channelstv reports that the governor also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.).

Edo: A swift response to the Uromi killings

The action of the governor follows a review of the preliminary report of the incident, which involved the killing of travellers, mostly from northern Nigeria, who were set ablaze by an angry mob after a local vigilante group allegedly found firearms in their possession.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the Edo State government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, said: “It is to be reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of 27th March was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps.”

The statement added that; “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.”

Investigations into the killings are ongoing, with 14 persons arrested so far, 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 has also reached out to the families of the victims, community leaders, and the Government of Kano State, where most of the deceased are reported to hail from.

The Edo State Government has urged all parties involved to remain calm, assuring them that justice will be pursued swiftly, transparently, and effectively.

“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.