I have received the disturbing report of the tragic incident in Uromi, where travelers were brutally murdered in an unlawful act of jungle justice. This barbaric act is completely unacceptable and has no place in Edo State.

For this reason, I am personally in Uromi to assess the situation and reassure the people that justice will be served. I strongly condemn the actions of the local vigilante members involved in this heinous crime. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands.

Our security agencies are in place to enforce the law, and extrajudicial killings will not be tolerated under my administration.

I have directed the Edo State Police Command and other relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, swift, and transparent investigation. Those found responsible must face the full consequences of the law.

I also urge the community to collaborate closely with the security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.

I also urge the community to collaborate closely with the security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.

I commend the community leaders, especially the leadership of the Arewa community, for their restraint and efforts in preventing further escalation of tensions.

Edo State is home to all law-abiding citizens, and my administration will continue to uphold peace, security, and the rule of law for everyone.

Justice will prevail.

H.E. SEN. MONDAY OKPEBHOLO

Okpebholo visits Uromi, orders probe into mob killing of alleged kidnappers

By Ozioruva Aliu
March 28, 2025

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Friday visited Uromi, the headquarters of Esan North-East Local Government Area, and ordered a thorough investigation into the mob killing of seven travellers accused of being kidnappers after firearms were reportedly found in their vehicle.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor condemned the killings, describing the act—allegedly carried out by members of a local vigilante group—as barbaric and unacceptable.

According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo expressed dismay over the heinous killings, emphasising that there was no justification for vigilantes to take the law into their own hands. He assured that justice would be served for the victims.

“There is no excuse for vigilante members to take the law into their hands without recourse to statutory law enforcement agencies,” the governor stated.

He directed the Edo State Police Command and other security agencies to carry out a thorough and speedy investigation into the killings and ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.

Governor Okpebholo also called on the Uromi community to cooperate with security agencies in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.

Despite the tensions surrounding the tragic incident, the governor commended community leaders, particularly the Arewa community leadership, for their role in de-escalating tensions and handling the situation with restraint.

The investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure justice for the victims.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State had ordered investigation into the killing of some hunters who were travelling for Sallah.

A mob had intercepted the victims at Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

After ransacking their vehicle where dane guns used by hunters were found, the mob had concluded that they were kidnappers, burning them alive.

In a viral video seen by our reporter, the deceased were seen rounded up by some youths who eventually set them ablaze.

The incident has triggered outrage, with many Nigerians accusing government of being unable to stem jungle justice.

Meanwhile, Senator Monday Okpebholo who described the act as barbaric and condemnable, vowing that the perpetrators would brought to justice.

The Governor who spoke at Uromi through the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, said he was there to ascertain the level of damage done and to ensure that investigation is carried out to ensure justice and forestall a reoccurrence.

He said investigations revealed that those killed had boarded a commercial truck and was stopped by members of local security outfit who upon search of the vehicle, discovered some guns, a situation that led to the mob attack by persons around the vicinity.

He warned that nobody has the right to take another man’s life, stressing that the nature of the barbaric killing was a cause of concern to the Governor.

“I can assure you that the people involved in this unprovoked attacked will not go scot -free, as His Excellency has directed the Commissioner of Police to launch a full scale investigation into the matter.

“As I speak now, over four persons have been arrested for their involvement in this ugly incidence,” he said.

He however called for calm while assuring the law abiding residents of Uromi, especially the Hausa Community in the area to go about their daily activities, as men of the Nigerian police force and other security agencies have been deployed to restore peace and normalcy to the place.

When contacted, the Edo State command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Iyamu, said he would revert. However, he has not done so as of the time of filing this report.

SadiqBabaSani:
Nothing shud happen to those guys Mr Governor, it's an unfortunate incident but don't sacrifice your people on the altar of politics use wisdom your excellency.

meobizy:
Finally put a face to the name.

SadiqBabaSani:
Nothing shud happen to those guys Mr Governor, it's an unfortunate incident but don't sacrifice your people on the altar of politics use wisdom your excellency.

naptu2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWHt8b1h51Y?si=3NVJKU3Xx7iERWun

Ehix @Ehix07



https://x.com/Ehix07/status/1905634257176756647?t=v-yKCnci3W5qVvHiE4LM5Q&s=19

SadiqBabaSani:
Nothing shud happen to those guys Mr Governor, it's an unfortunate incident but don't sacrifice your people on the altar of politics use wisdom your excellency.

adalame:
Send those blood sucking criminals to jail or we declare SOE in your state

naptu2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWHt8b1h51Y?si=3NVJKU3Xx7iERWun

Ehix @Ehix07



https://x.com/Ehix07/status/1905634257176756647?t=v-yKCnci3W5qVvHiE4LM5Q&s=19

stan4b:
Fulani have killed several people in the past, maybe it's karma that paid them a visit. But jungle justice is bad though.

Ikaeniyan0:
Where's your location? I have connection for lots of factory work in Lagos and Ogun