Uromi Killings: NEF Warns of Consequences, Issues Ultimatum to Edo, FG…Okpebholo Suspends Illegal Vigilant Groups, Ibadin

By Reporter

In the wake of the extra judicial killing of 16 northern “hunters” in Uromi, Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered the immediate suspension of all “illegal Vigilante Groups” in the State. Okpebholo also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.).

The governor’s action comes just as the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, advised members of the public who are in possession of unlicensed firearms to report to the nearest police station to surrender such weapons or “initiate the appropriate licensing process.”

The governor’s statement which is signed by the Secretary of the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq reads:

“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 travelers, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, 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 (Rtd.).

“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 on-going and fourteen (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.

“The Government of Edo State reiterates its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country.

“In the meantime, the 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.

“We urge all parties involved to remain calm as the State Government remains committed to ensuring that justice is done in a most efficient, transparent and proactive manner.”

Meanwhile, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has issued ultimatum and demands to Edo State Government.

The group made three key demands from the Edo State and federal governments regarding the killing of 16 northern travellers in Uromi, Edo.

The forum also warned that north “will no longer tolerate such recklessness from the people of southern Nigeria.”

The spokesperson for NEF, Professor Abubakar Jiddere, disclosed this in a statement at the weekend.

NEF demanded the arrest and trial of those responsible for the killing in Uromi to be conducted publicly to ensure transparency and accountability.

The northern elders called for an unreserved public apology from Uromi Community and the Edo State Government, along with a commitment to ensuring that “such barbaric acts never occur again.”

The forum demanded for compensation to be paid to the families of the victims in line with “prescribed standards.”

NEF gave two weeks to the Edo State and Federal Government to meet their demands or face the consequences.

The NEF statement reads: “The North has tolerated numerous acts of recklessness from some parts of Southern Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end.

“The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of innocent travellers. The NEF demands a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those who aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.

“The due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths.

“An unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behaviour never occurs again.

“An unreserved apology from the Edo State Government to the North for this heinous attack on its people.

“The punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any future acts of violence.

“The NEF also demands that the Edo State Government and the Federal Government take concrete and visible steps to fulfil these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this statement.”

Report says the dead travellers were on a trip to Kano from Port Harcourt for the Sallah celebration before some local vigilante operatives ‘arrested’ them and were burnt alive.

The incident has attracted condemnation from President Bola Ahmed who immediately directed security agencies to hunt for the perpetrators of the mob killing in Edo State.

The Northern Governors Forum, in a strongly worded statement, condemned the extrajudicial killing, noting that the act is unacceptable.

In the same vein, the National Assembly, Northern Youths and Senators have all expressed their condemnation of the mob killings.

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