Governor Monday Okpebholo has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), and all illegal vigilante groups in the state following the tragic killing of 16 hunters traveling through the state
The suspension came in response to public outrage over the attack, which took place on March 27, 2025, in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
The hunters, mainly from Kano, were mistaken for kidnappers by an unregistered local vigilante group. The attackers allegedly acted on suspicion after discovering dane guns among the travelers’ belongings.
Government Response and Arrests
A statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhikor Esq., confirmed that 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings.
“After reviewing the preliminary report on the unfortunate incident at Uromi, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under any guise in Edo State. Also suspended is the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.),” the statement read.
The government clarified that the vigilante group responsible for the attack was not officially registered with the Edo State Security Corps.
“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,” the statement added.
The state government assured the public that investigations would continue and justice would be served. A special police team, set up by the Inspector General of Police, is leading the manhunt for other suspects involved.
What a sad moment a day to Sallah, yet the bodies of 16 hunters from the North, tragically killed by a mobs in Edo State, now lay to rest. May their souls rest in peace Ameen 🤲
— Last_Born (@Lminkaeel) March 29, 2025
Source: @ZagazOlaMakama pic.twitter.com/PbStDMLMy9
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of all Nigerians within Edo State.
“The Edo State Government believes in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country,” the statement noted.
Nationwide Reactions
The killings have created nationwide anger, with prominent figures condemning the act.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, strongly denouncing the attack, said it could have been avoided if authorities had verified the victims’ identities.
“The Nigeria police, military, and other security agencies are well-trained to handle such matters,” he said in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Tukur Gusau.
Musa extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu and the families of the victims, urging Nigerians not to take the law into their own hands. He warned that all vigilante groups must register with law enforcement agencies to prevent unlawful killings.
Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II also spoke up and cautioned Kano youths against retaliating against non-indigenes in the state.
Speaking at the Kofar Mata Eid ground after leading Eid prayers, he urged them to remain peaceful.
“We appeal to them not to take laws into their hands. They should avoid a breakdown of law and order. We call on all traditional leaders to be vigilant,” he said.
Sanusi called on the authorities to ensure justice for the victims. His predecessor, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, also demanded swift action against the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, the Edo Peoples Congress (EPC), a group of Edo residents in Abuja, criticized the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) for its earlier statements following the attack. EPC argued that while the killings were tragic, the NEF should focus on broader insecurity issues across Nigeria rather than issuing threats.
“The press statement by the NEF through Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere is regrettable and lacks the needed maturity and temperament at such a difficult time,” said EPC Abuja chapter chairman Umoru Momoh.
The group wants the federal government to intensify efforts in securing lives across Nigeria and fostering unity.
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