Shop were shut down in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area
over fear of reprisal attack in connection with the murder of some travellers by locals last week Thursday.
Some non-natives protesting the killings were captured in a shot video, hauling stones at business premises and homes in the locality at the weekend.
Remains of the armed travellers in a Dangote Cement truck that were lynched by a mob were interred by members of the Hausa Community converged on the community cemetery to pay their last respects to the victims, who were burnt to death in suspicion of being kidnappers and buried in a mass grave.
In the meantime, the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal Vigilante Groups operating in the State.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (Rtd.) and reached out to Kano State governor, deceased families.
He said, 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.
Part of the statement reads, “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.
“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, Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal Vigilante Groups operating under whatever guise in the State and the suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (Rtd.).
“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”, he said.
TheNewspad recalls that police authorities had arrested 14 suspects in connection with the heinous crime, while armed security forces have also been deployed to the area to forestall breakdown of law and order or reprisal attack.
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