Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has announced the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups.
Gatekeepers News reports that this was announced in a statement by Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq, Secretary to the State Government on Saturday.
The vigilante groups’ suspension follows a preliminary report on an incident that occurred on March 27, which saw the gruesome killing of some travelers in Uromi, Esan North East LGA.
The Governor also suspended CP. Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps.
According to the state government; the vigilante group involved was operating illegally and was never registered with the state security corps.
The government stressed that the actions of this group do not represent the values of the Okpebholo administration or the objectives of the corps under the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.
It noted that investigations are ongoing, with fourteen people already arrested and a special team set up by Inspector General of Police hunting for others involved in the incident.
The government reiterated its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country.
The statement added, “ 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.”
The government urged all parties involved to remain calm as the State Government remains committed to ensuring that justice is done in the most efficient, transparent, and proactive manner.
