Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd), and banned all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state.
The decision followed the gruesome killing of 16 travellers of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North-East local government area of the State, on March 27.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the governor took the action after reviewing a preliminary report on the tragic incident.
“It is to be reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of 27th March was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps,” the statement read.
The State government clarified that the actions of the unregistered vigilante group did not align with the principles of the Okpebholo administration or the objectives of the Edo State Security Corps as outlined in the state’s security governance law.
Investigations into the killings were ongoing, with 14 suspects already arrested and a special team set up by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) conducting an intense manhunt for other perpetrators.
Reaffirming the constitutional rights of all citizens to move freely and conduct lawful business anywhere in the country, the Edo State government assured the public that justice would be served.
In the meantime, the government has reached out to the families of the victims, community leaders, and the Kano State government, as most of the deceased reportedly hailed from there.
“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.
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