By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has taken action following a tragic incident in the Uromi area, suspending the commander of the Edo State Security Corps and banning unregistered vigilante groups.
According to a statement from the state government, the governor suspended Friday Ibadin, the commander of the Edo State Security Corps, after 16 hunters were killed in Uromi on Thursday.
The incident occurred when the hunters, who were traveling from Elele in Rivers state, were attacked by a mob. Police reported that a local vigilante group mistook them for kidnappers after finding 19 locally made firearms in their possession.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the police and security agencies to quickly investigate and make sure those responsible face justice.
The governor’s statement clarified that the vigilante group involved in the killings was operating illegally: “It is to be reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of 27th March was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps.”
The statement added that the group’s 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 are ongoing, with 14 people arrested so far. A special team set up by the Inspector General of Police is hunting for other suspects involved in the killings.
The Edo State Government has emphasized its commitment to citizens’ constitutional right to move freely and conduct lawful business anywhere in the country. The government is currently in contact with the victims’ families, community leaders, and officials from Kano State, where most of the deceased reportedly came from.
The statement concluded by urging calm while assuring that “the State Government remains committed to ensuring that justice is done in a most efficient, transparent and proactive manner.”