PFN Condemns Killing Of Hunters In Edo, Cautions Against Reprisal Attack

• • Says Culprits Must Be Brought To Book, No Matter Who They Are
  • Edo Gov Suspends Security Chief, Illegal Vigilante Over Killings
  • Okpebholo Losing Control Of Edo State, PDP Raises Alarm

David Bakare, the National Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has condemned the killing of some hunters in Edo state suspected to be of northern extraction on Thursday, March 28, 2025.

This is even as the Christian religious body cautioned against any retaliatory attacks over the incident.

On Thursday, a mob in the Uromi area of Edo state attacked and killed at least 16 hunters of northern descent who were travelling from Elele, Rivers.

Speaking on Sunday in an interview with journalists, Bakare called for a thorough investigation into the killings to bring perpetrators to book.

The clergy, who described the killings as barbaric and ungodly, condoled with the families of the deceased while noting that “two wrongs cannot make a right”.

“We strongly condemn this barbaric and ungodly act of killing travellers under any circumstances,” Bakare said.

“Even if they were kidnappers; that does not warrant taking the law into our hands; the right thing was to hand them over to law enforcement agents for proper investigation and legal action.

“We urge that thorough investigation must be carried out on this matter to ensure that the culprits are brought to book, no matter who they may be.

“We appeal against the reprisal act because two wrongs won’t make a right. Our prayers are with the families of the victims. Nigeria needs all the peace at this time.”

Meanwhile, the Governor of the state, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state.

The governor also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.).

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the Edo State government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the action of the governor follows information of the General Public that after a review of the preliminary report of the unfortunate incident at Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State on Thursday involving the gruesome killing of some travelers.

“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 statement said

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

It added that 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,” the statement concluded.

In a related development, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Sunday, alleged that the suspension of the Commander of the State Security Network Corps, SSNC, Friday Ibadin, was an indication that the Okpebholo-led government had lost touch with security in the State.

According to a statement by Chris Nehikhare, the State Publicity Secretary, PDP Caretaker Committee, made available to newsmen in Benin City, he posited that the suspension of the Commander was a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed.

Nehikhare also added that the government’s classification of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group only further exposes the absence of a coherent security framework under the current administration and a continuation of the blame game the government has come to master.

He noted that the February 5, March 2025, mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps was an early warning sign of deep-rooted inefficiencies, which the governor allegedly chose to ignore.

He noted that the Edo people are paying the price with their lives.

The PDP publicity secretary noted that it was distressing that a vigilante group, operating without any oversight or proper registration, was allowed to take up arms and engage in extra-judicial killings.

He stated that the action was an indictment of the Okpebholo administration’s failure to properly regulate, train, and coordinate security efforts in the state.

According to him, Edo State PDP is deeply alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the state, which has now culminated in the gruesome killing of innocent travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.

“The recent government classification of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group only further exposes the absence of a coherent security framework under the current administration and a continuation of the blame game this government has come to master.

“The suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), is a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed. The February 5 mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps was an early warning sign of deep-rooted inefficiencies, yet Senator Monday Okpebholo chose to ignore it. Now, Edo people are paying the price with their lives.

“It is particularly distressing that a vigilante group, operating without any oversight or proper registration, was allowed to take up arms and engage in extra-judicial killings.

“This is an indictment of the Okpebholo administration’s failure to properly regulate, train, and coordinate security efforts in the state”, he said.

The party, however, demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of the killings of the seven travelers to prevent further loss of lives

It said the government must ensure that all those responsible for the killings, including their sponsors, face the full weight of the law.

It also demanded the comprehensive audit and overhauling of the Edo State Security Corps, advocating that the security structure be reviewed to eliminate unregistered groups and ensure accountability in operations.

Another demand is the deployment of Federal security agencies, stating that an intervention becomes necessary to stabilize the situation following the alleged state government’s apparent inability to maintain law and order.

“Implementation of a New Security Strategy: The PDP calls for a non-partisan security summit involving all stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and opposition parties—to map out an effective security blueprint for the state”, he added.

While stating that the safety of Edo people cannot be sacrificed at the altar of incompetence, he added that Governor Okpebholo must rise to the occasion and take decisive actions or accept that his administration has failed and step aside for those who can secure the lives and properties of our people.

Nehikhare opined that Edo State cannot continue on this perilous path, assuring that PDP remains committed to advocating for the protection of all citizens and ensuring that justice prevails.