Edo Governor Suspends Security Chief, Bans Illegal Vigilante Groups After Hunters' Killing
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended the Commander of the Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police. He also banned illegal vigilante groups following the killing of 16 hunters traveling through Uromi, Esan Northeast Local Government Area. The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, stated that lawlessness under the pretense of security would not be tolerated. The killings, which sparked outrage, were condemned by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi. Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, announced that a delegation from Kano would visit Edo to assess the situation. Ikhilor confirmed that the vigilante group responsible for the killings was operating illegally and had never been registered with the Edo State Security Corps. He assured that investigations were ongoing, with 14 suspects already arrested and a manhunt underway for others involved. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and upholding citizens’ right to free movement and business activities.