Edo Governor Suspends Security Chief Over Mob Killings of Northern Travelers
BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, following the horrific mob lynching of 16 northern travelers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area. The incident occurred on March 27, 2025, when vigilantes intercepted a Dangote Cement truck carrying the victims, accusing them of being kidnappers. The mob proceeded to beat and set the travelers ablaze, sparking nationwide outrage.
Governor’s Actions
Governor Okpebholo condemned the killings as “barbaric and unjustifiable” and announced immediate measures to restore order:
- Suspension of Security Chief:
- Friday Ibadin was relieved of his duties for failing to prevent the tragedy and for allowing unregistered vigilante groups to operate unchecked.
- The governor stated, “Leadership in security demands accountability. This failure will not go unaddressed.”
- Ban on Illegal Vigilante Groups:
- All unregistered vigilante groups across Edo State have been banned. The governor emphasized that vigilantes must operate under strict oversight to prevent extrajudicial actions.
- Deployment of Security Forces:
- Additional police and military personnel have been deployed to Uromi to maintain peace and prevent retaliatory violence.
Details of the Incident
The victims were traveling from Rivers State to Kano for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations when they were stopped by vigilantes who allegedly found firearms (dane guns) and charms in their possession. The mob, angered by frequent kidnappings in the region, took matters into their own hands, leading to the tragic killings.
Eyewitnesses reported that while some travelers managed to escape, 16 were trapped and killed. Police later rescued 10 survivors and recovered charred remains for burial on March 29.
Nationwide Reactions
- Federal Government Response:
- President Bola Tinubu condemned the killings and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. He stated, “Mob justice undermines our rule of law and must be eradicated.”
- Community Leaders Speak Out:
- Aliyu Haruna, leader of the Hausa community in Uromi, expressed shock at the violence, stating, “We have lived peacefully here for decades; this is unprecedented.”
- Religious Groups Call for Unity:
- The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Northern CAN urged restraint from both communities while demanding justice for the victims.
- Inspector General’s Statement:
- IG Kayode Egbetokun confirmed that 14 suspects had been arrested and assured that all perpetrators would face prosecution.
Public Outcry
The killings have sparked protests across Nigeria:
- Activists have called for stronger regulation of vigilante groups.
- Social media campaigns such as #JusticeForUromiVictims are trending nationwide.
- Civil society organizations have demanded compensation for victims’ families.
Closing Quotation
Governor Okpebholo concluded his statement with a call for peace: “We must remember that justice is best served through law and order—not mob action.”
Conclusion
The Edo mob killings highlight deep-seated security challenges in Nigeria’s rural communities, where vigilante groups often operate outside legal frameworks. As investigations continue, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure justice while preventing further unrest.
