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GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO SUSPENDS ILLEGAL VIGILANTE GROUPS, SECURITY COMMANDER AFTER UROMI KILLINGS

The Edo State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state following the gruesome killing of travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Governor Monday Okpebholo also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), as investigations into the incident continue. In a special announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the government clarified that the vigilante group involved in the killings was operating illegally, as it was neither profiled nor registered with the Edo State Security Corps. The statement emphasized that the group’s actions do not align with the values of the Okpebholo administration or the objectives of the state’s security laws. A special team set up by the Inspector General of Police is conducting an intensive manhunt for suspects, with fourteen persons already arrested in connection with the incident. The government assured the public that justice would be served transparently and efficiently. The statement reiterated the state’s commitment to the constitutional rights of citizens to move freely and conduct lawful business anywhere in the country. Authorities are also in contact with the families of the victims, community leaders, and the Kano State Government, as most of the deceased were reportedly from Kano. “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 read. Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.

PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS MANHUNT FOR KILLERS OF HUNTERS IN EDO

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a manhunt for the killers of traveling hunters intercepted by local vigilantes in the Uromi community of Esan North Local Government in Edo State. The President condemned the act, describing it as a dastardly crime. In a statement, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu expressed shock over the incident and directed the Police and other security agencies to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to apprehend and punish the culprits. Onanuga stated that the President commiserated with the families of the victims and assured them that criminals would not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians. He emphasized that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria and reaffirmed the right of all citizens to move freely within the country. The statement further noted that Tinubu commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Uromi community leaders for their swift response to prevent an escalation of tension. Onanuga added that the President remains committed to ensuring justice and security for all Nigerians. The statement was issued on March 28, 2025.

GOV OKPEBHOLO VISITS UROMI, PLEDGES TO BRING KILLERS OF TRAVELLERS TO JUSTICE

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the killing of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, describing the incident as a barbaric act. In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, said the governor received a sad report of the incident which occurred on Thursday, March 27, 2025, leading to unwarranted murder and arson allegedly committed by members of a local vigilante group. Initial reports indicate that the victims were travelling through the town from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when they were intercepted on suspicion of being criminals by the vigilante members. Governor Okpebholo, who visited the town on Friday to assess the situation, expressed dismay over the heinous killings and condemned the actions of the vigilante members in the strongest terms. The governor said there was no excuse for the vigilante members to take the law into their hands without recourse to statutory law enforcement agencies. He directed the State Police Command and other security agencies to conduct a thorough and speedy investigation into the matter and bring those found culpable to justice. He also charged the community to work with security agencies to fish out the culprits. Fred Itua stated that Governor Okpebholo commended community leaders, especially the leadership of the Arewa community in the area, for de-escalating tensions and handling the situation with restraint. The governor promised justice for the victims and reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors in the state. Itua further noted that the governor urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while assuring them that the government would take decisive measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. The statement was signed by Fred Itua on Friday, March 28, 2025.

GOV OKPEBHOLO ORDERS PROBE INTO KILLING OF 7 SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS IN UROMI, CONDEMNS ACT AS BARBARIC

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the killing of seven persons in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, describing the act as barbaric. The Governor condemned the setting ablaze of the suspected kidnappers by residents of the community, vowing to ensure that the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law. In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the Governor was quoted as saying that such acts of mob justice are unacceptable in the state. Represented by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, Governor Okpebholo stressed that nobody has the right to take another person’s life, no matter the circumstances. SP Osaghale, who was dispatched to Uromi to assess the situation, revealed that the victims were passengers in a commercial truck when they were stopped by local security operatives. A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered firearms, leading to a mob attack. He confirmed that four persons have been arrested in connection with the incident. Fred Itua stated that the Governor has directed the Commissioner of Police to launch a thorough investigation to ensure justice and prevent future occurrences. The CSO assured residents, particularly the Hausa community in Uromi, of their safety, noting that security personnel have been deployed to maintain peace. The leader of the Hausa community in Uromi, Mallam Aliyu Haruna, expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for his swift response. Haruna described the incident as unprecedented, emphasizing the longstanding peaceful coexistence between indigenes and the Hausa community, some of whom have lived in the area for over 70 years. Fred Itua reiterated the Governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and fostering a secure environment for all residents. He urged the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to conclude their investigations. The statement was signed by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, on Friday, March 28, 2025.