Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, following the March 27 lynching of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
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. Police rescued 10 others, while the deceased were buried on Saturday.
In a statement on Sunday, the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, confirmed Ibadin’s suspension and announced a ban on all unregistered vigilante groups in the state.
"After a review of the preliminary report of the unfortunate incident of March 27 at Uromi, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state. Also suspended is the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (retd.)," the statement read.
The government clarified that the vigilante group responsible for the lynching was illegal, as it was never registered under the state’s security framework. The statement emphasized that their actions did not reflect the principles of the Okpebholo administration or the objectives of the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.
Authorities have arrested 14 suspects so far, while a special team set up by the Inspector General of Police is hunting others involved in the killings.
The Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens to move freely and engage in lawful activities. Officials are in contact with the victims’ families, community leaders, and the Kano State Government, where most of the deceased originated.
"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.
