This decision was communicated in a statement issued by the state government regarding the tragic incident. The killings occurred on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in the Uromi area of Esan North East Local Government Area.
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the suspension of the Edo State Security Corps Commander, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), following the recent killings of 16 Northern travellers by a mob in Uromi.
This decision was communicated in a statement issued by the state government regarding the tragic incident. The killings occurred on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in the Uromi area of Esan North East Local Government Area.
The statement read: “After reviewing the preliminary report on the unfortunate incident, 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.).”
“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 continued.
According to the statement, 14 individuals have already been arrested, and an intense manhunt is underway for other perpetrators.
A special team set up by the Inspector General of Police is leading the operation. The Edo State Government emphasised its commitment to the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely and engage in lawful business anywhere in the country.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, strongly condemned the killing of hunters who were in transit in Edo State. The incident, which occurred on March 28, 2025, could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities had been notified and involved in verifying the victims’ identities.
This was stated in a press release on Sunday by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau.
The Chief of Defence Staff also urged Nigerians not to take the law into their own hands, but to always report security matters to the appropriate authorities.
“The Nigeria Police, military, and other security agencies are well-trained to handle such matters,” he emphasised.
“The Chief of Defence Staff assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to justice,” the statement added.
He warned that all local hunters and vigilante groups should register with the police, DSS, Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of firearms. He also called on vigilante groups to always report to the police for appropriate action.
He also called for calm and urged citizens to support the AFN and other security agencies in performing their constitutional duties diligently.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that 16 northerners who were lynched in Edo State were laid to rest on Saturday, March 29. It was also reported that three more victims were buried the previous day, bringing the total number of those buried to 19.