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.
The Edo government is in contact with the victims' families, community leaders, and Kano State officials. Ikhilor urged calm, promising a transparent and swift investigation.
Governor Yusuf of Kano condemned the killings as barbaric and assured that the victims' families would receive full compensation. He confirmed that Governor Okpebholo had informed him of the arrests made and ongoing investigations. He urged Kano residents to remain peaceful and avoid retaliation, highlighting Kano’s reputation as a peaceful state.
Gen. Musa also condemned the killings, stating that the incident could have been avoided if authorities had been properly informed. He extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu and the victims' families and urged Nigerians not to take the law into their own hands. He reassured the public that security agencies would bring the perpetrators to justice. He also called for all vigilante groups to register with the police and relevant authorities.
CAN described the killings as a gross violation of human rights, urging the government to ensure justice. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, lamented the extrajudicial killing of the hunters, who were mistaken for kidnappers because of their hunting tools. He called for effective law enforcement and the upholding of the rule of law to prevent further tragedies.
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Akanbi, also condemned the killings, emphasizing that all Nigerians should be protected, regardless of ethnicity or religion. He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to embrace unity and reject jungle justice.
House of Representatives Spokesman, Akintunde Rotimi, also condemned the incident, calling for the killers to be apprehended. Speaking at an event in Ekiti, he stressed the need for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians despite cultural and religious differences. He urged security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.
The Edo State government has vowed to ensure justice, while leaders across Nigeria continue to call for peace, security, and adherence to the rule of law.