Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, following the killing of 16 hunters in Uromi. He also ordered the suspension of all unregistered vigilante groups operating in the state.
A statement from the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Ikhilor, confirmed the suspension, emphasizing that illegal security operations would not be tolerated.
“The local vigilance group responsible for this incident was operating illegally, as it was never registered or profiled under the Edo State Security Corps. Their actions do not reflect the principles of the Okpebholo administration,” Ikhilor said.
The killings have drawn nationwide condemnation, including from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and traditional leaders.
Governor Okpebholo reassured citizens that investigations were ongoing, with 14 arrests already made and a special police team conducting a manhunt for other suspects. He vowed that justice would be served and urged communities to remain calm.
