Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), and disbanded all unauthorized vigilante groups following the brutal killing of travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.

The decision, announced on Sunday by Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, followed preliminary reports indicating that the vigilante group responsible for the attack was not registered under the state’s security framework.

“The Edo government remains in close contact with the victims’ families, community leaders, and the Government of Kano State, where most of the deceased reportedly hailed from,” Ikhilor stated.

A special police team has arrested 14 suspects, with a manhunt ongoing for others linked to the attack.

Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized Okpebholo’s administration, accusing it of failing to maintain security. PDP’s Caretaker Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, described the security chief’s suspension as an admission that the state’s security structure had collapsed.

“The February 5 mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps was an early warning of deep-rooted inefficiencies, yet Senator Okpebholo ignored it. Now, Edo people are paying the price with their lives,” the PDP stated.

The party condemned the proliferation of unregulated vigilante groups, blaming the government for failing to train and coordinate security personnel.