Edo governor suspends security chief, bans vigilante groups over Uromi killing

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended Friday Ibadin, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, in response to the tragic lynching of travelers on March 27 in Uromi, located in the Esan North East Local Government Area of the state.

The victims, mostly from northern Nigeria, were set on fire by an enraged mob after a local vigilante group allegedly discovered firearms in their possession while they were traveling in a Dangote Cement truck. Ten others were rescued by the police, while the deceased were buried on Saturday.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, confirmed Ibadin’s suspension and also announced a ban on all unregistered vigilante groups operating in the state.

The statement read: “Following a review of the preliminary report on the unfortunate incident of March 27, 2025, at Uromi in the Esan North East Local Government Area, which involved the brutal killing of several travelers, Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under any guise in the state.”

“Additionally, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (retd.), has been suspended.”

The statement further clarified that the local vigilante group responsible for the killings was operating illegally, as it was neither profiled nor registered with the Edo State Security Corps.

“The actions of this vigilante group do not align with the values and principles of the Okpebholo administration, nor do they reflect the objectives of the Edo State Security Corps as outlined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.”

Investigations into the killings are ongoing, with 14 individuals arrested so far. A special team set up by the Inspector General of Police is conducting a thorough manhunt for additional suspects involved in the crime.

The Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights to free movement and lawful business activities across the country.

Authorities have been in contact with the victims’ families, local community leaders, and the Kano State Government, where many of the deceased are believed to have originated from.

The statement concluded, “We urge all parties involved to remain calm. The state government is committed to ensuring that justice is served in a transparent, efficient, and proactive manner.