A vigilante group has killed about 16 innocent traders in Edo State whom they mistook as kidnappers
The traders who were traveling to the North to Port Harcourt were ambushed and despite their pleas, they were killed and set ablaze at Udune Efandion community of Uromi, Edo State.
This was a statement issued by the Edo State Government on the incident
GOV OKPEBHOLO VISITS UROMI, VOWS TO BRING KILLERS OF TRAVELLERS TO JUSTICE
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has received a sad report of an incident in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of the State on Thursday, March 27. 2025, leading to unwarranted murder and arson.
The State Government strongly condemns the barbaric act allegedly committed by members of a local vigilante.
Initial reports report indicate that the victims were travelling through the town from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when they were intercepted on suspicion of being criminals by the local vigilante members.
Governor Monday Okpebholo who visited the town on Friday to access the situation, expressed dismay over the heinous killings. He condemned the action of the vigilante members in the strongest terms and promised justice for the victims.
The Governor said there is no excuse for the vigilante members to take the law into their hands without recourse to statutory law enforcement agencies.
The Governor directed the State Police Command and other security agencies to conduct thorough and speedy investigations into the matter and bring those found culpable to book. He also charged the community to work with the security agencies to fish out the culprits.
Governor Okpebholo also commended community leaders, especially the leadership of Arewa community in the area, for descalating tensions and handling the situation with restrain.
Signed
Owaen Fred Itua
The Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.
Friday, 28 March, 2025