Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (retd.), following the brutal lynching of travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of the state. The victims, mostly from northern Nigeria, were set ablaze by an angry mob after a local vigilante group allegedly found firearms in their possession while traveling in a Dangote Cement truck.
The governor has also banned all unregistered vigilante groups in the state, emphasizing that the local vigilante group involved in the killings was operating illegally and without registration. The state government has clarified that the actions of the vigilante group do not reflect the core values and principles of the Okpebholo administration.
In the aftermath of the incident, police rescued 10 survivors, while the deceased were buried on Saturday. The state government has assured that investigations into the killings are ongoing, with 14 persons already arrested and an intense manhunt underway for others involved.
The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that justice is done in a most efficient, transparent, and proactive manner. The state government remains in contact with the victims’ families, community leaders, and the Kano State Government, where most of the deceased reportedly originated.
Key actions taken by the Edo State Government include:
- Suspension of the Commander: CP. Friday Ibadin (retd.) has been suspended pending further investigations.
- Ban on Unregistered Vigilante Groups: All unregistered vigilante groups operating in the state have been banned.
- Investigations and Arrests: Investigations are ongoing, with 14 persons already arrested and more expected to be apprehended.
- Support for Victims’ Families: The state government is providing support to the victims’ families and community leader.
