Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended the Commander of the State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.), over the brutal murder of sixteen travellers.
Recall that on March 27 in Uromi, travellers of Northern extraction travelling in a truck were forced to pull over by vigilante guys in the town.
The travellers were hunters going from Rivers State to Kano for Eid celebration.
However, on false suspicion that they were bandits based on dane guns found on them, the vigilantes mobilised mob to attack them killing sixteen in the process.
The savage attack sparked widespread outrage and has now led to the suspension of Commander of the State Security Corps, and ban placed on illegal vigilante groups in the state.
The developments were contained in a statement the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, released.
The statement read partly, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that after a review of the preliminary report of the unfortunate incident of Thursday 27th March, 2025 at Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State involving the gruesome killing of some travellers, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state.
“Also suspended is the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd). 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.
“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 ongoing and 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.”
