Edo Governor Suspends Security Chief, Illegal Vigilante Groups Over Hunters’ Killing
Thedailycourierng.news
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has suspended the Commander of the Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police, following the killing of 16 traveling hunters at Uromi, Esan Northeast Local Government Area.
Additionally, the governor has ordered the suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating within the state.
Illegal Security Groups Suspended
The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, confirmed the suspension, stating that the local vigilance group responsible for the killings was not legally registered. He emphasized that lawlessness under the guise of maintaining security would not be tolerated.
Ikhilor said:
“The local vigilance group involved in the gruesome killing on March 27, 2025, was operating illegally, as it was never profiled or registered with the Edo State Security Corps. Its actions do not reflect the core values, character, or principles of the Okpebholo administration.”
Investigations are ongoing, with 14 individuals arrested so far. A special team set up by the Inspector-General of Police is leading an intensive manhunt for other suspects.
The Edo government has also reached out to the families of the victims, community leaders, and the government of Kano State, where the deceased hunters originated from. The administration assured that justice would be served transparently.
Kano State Sends Delegation to Edo
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf announced that a delegation has been dispatched to Edo to discuss the incident with the state government and the Hausa community.
Yusuf condemned the killings, describing them as barbaric and unacceptable. He assured that his administration would seek full justice for the victims and provide compensation for their families. He also urged residents to remain peaceful and avoid retaliation.
Chief of Defence Staff, CAN, and Traditional Rulers React
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, condemned the killings, stating that they could have been avoided if the authorities had been properly involved. He called on Nigerians to trust security agencies to handle such matters instead of taking the law into their hands.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also described the incident as barbaric, emphasizing that extrajudicial killings erode trust in the justice system. CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Traditional ruler Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi Telu, the Oluwo of Iwo, emphasized the need for national unity, stating that every Nigerian deserves safety and protection, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
House of Representatives Calls for Justice
House of Representatives spokesperson Akintunde Rotimi condemned the attack, stressing that all Nigerians should be able to coexist peacefully. He urged security agencies to swiftly prosecute those responsible.
Rotimi added:
“On behalf of the people of Ikole/Oye-Ekiti Federal Constituency, we condemn the violent mob attack on the travelers in Edo State. We call on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.”
Military, Police, and DSS to Regulate Vigilante Groups
Gen. Musa further warned that all local vigilante groups must be registered with law enforcement agencies, including the police, DSS, and military. He stressed that illegal groups operating outside the law would face consequences.
The military has pledged to work closely with the police and other security agencies to apprehend the culprits and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Reference
Edo Governor Suspends Security Chief, Illegal Vigilante Groups Over Hunters’ Killing