Okpebholo bans unregistered vigilance groups, suspends security chief over killing of hunters

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, has suspended Friday Ibadin, commander of the Edo State Security Corps, over the killing of 16 hunters in the Uromi area of the state.

In a statement released by the secretary to the state government on Saturday, Okpebholo also ordered the suspension of unregistered vigilance groups operating in the state.

On Thursday, a mob in the Uromi area of Edo killed 16 hunters of northern descent who were travelling from Elele, Rivers state.

The police had said the hunters were killed after a local vigilante group, who mistook them for kidnappers, found 19 locally fabricated firearms in their possession.

President Bola Tinubu had ordered the police and security agencies to swiftly investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In the statement, the Edo governor said the vigilante group that carried out the act was not registered or profiled under the state security corps.

“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 reads.

“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.

“Investigations into the killings are on-going and fourteen (14) persons have been arrested so far, while there is an intense manhunt for others involved in the gruesome killing by a special team set up by the Inspector General of Police.

“The Government of Edo State reiterates its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country.

“In the meantime, the Government is in touch with families of the victims, community leaders and the Government of Kano State where most of the deceased are reported to hail from.

“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.”