Killing of hunters in Edo: Okpebholo suspends security chief, illegal vigilance groups - The Nation Newspaper (2025)

March 31, 2025 by Bisi Olaniyi, Benin, Gbenga Omokhunu | Abuja, Toba Adedeji, Osogbo and Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday suspended the Commander of the Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police.

He also ordered the suspension of illegal vigilante groups, following the review of the preliminary report on the killing of 16 travelling hunters at Uromi, the headquarters of Esan Northeast Local Government Area.

The Secretary to Government, Umar Ikhilor, a lawyer, said in a statement that lawlessness would not be permitted under the guise of maintaining security.

The killings, which sparked uproar in the state, was condemned by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gem Christopher Musa, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi Telu.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf said a delegation from the state would be in Edo today to assess the situation.

Illegal security outfits suspended, says Edo govt

Ikhilor lamented that the local vigilante group that killed the hunters was not registered.

He said: “It is to be reiterated that the local vigilance group involved in the gruesome killing of 27th March, 2025 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 ongoing, and fourteen 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.

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“The Government of Edo State reiterates its belief in the constitutionally-guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful businesses in any part of the country.”

Ikhilor disclosed that the state government was in touch with families of the victims, community leaders, and the government of Kano State, where the deceased hailed from.

He urged calm,assuring that the state government will ensure that justice is done in a most efficient, transparent, and proactive manner.

Kano Govt’s delegation for Edo

The Kano State Government has dispatched a delegation to engage with the Edo Government and the Hausa community over the killings.

Yusuf, in a broadcast, condemned the barbaric act, saying that his administration would relentlessly pursue justice for the victims.

The delegation, he said, “will work to ensure justice is served and those responsible are held accountable.”

Yusuf also said the affected individuals would receive full compensation.

He disclosed that Okpebholo had assured him that most of the suspected culprits have been apprehended, adding that investigation is ongoing.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding and refrain from any acts of retaliation, emphasising Kano’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country.

Yusuf, who condone with the families of the victims and the state, described the incident as a “tragic and sad moment.”

Musa condemns killing

Gen Musa, condemned the unfortunate killings in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig -Gen. Tukur Gusau, saying that the incident was avoidable if the appropriate authorities were notified and involved in ascertaining the identity of the victims.

The CDS condoled with President Bola Tinubu, and the families of those who lost their lives.

He said Nigerians not to take laws into their hands, urging them to revert to constituted authorities in matters that affect security.

Musa said the Nigeria police, military, and other security agencies are well trained to handle such matters.

The defence chief assured Nigerians that the military would work closely with the police and other relavant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.

He warned that all local hunters and vigilante groups should register with the police, DSS, military and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of fire arms.

He also called on vigilante groups to always revert to police for appropriate action.

CANurges govt to ensure justice

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the killin as barbaric, urging the government to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.

A statement by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh said: “We must address a recent and devastating incident. A few days ago, 16 hunters travelling from Port Harcourt to Kano to mark Eid-el-Fitr were brutally murdered by a mob in Uromi, Edo State.

“Mistaken for kidnappers due to the traditional hunting tools they carried, these innocent men suffered a horrific fate—beaten and burned alive in an act of mob violence, denied any chance of due process.

“This extrajudicial killing is a grievous violation of human rights and a chilling reminder of the dangers of lawlessness. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of these hunters, who now mourn the loss of their loved ones taken in such a senseless and brutal manner. Our thoughts are also with all families affected by recent acts of violence and injustice across Nigeria.

“These tragedies inflict profound pain and could erode trust in our legal system, highlighting the urgent need for effective law enforcement and the upholding of the rule of law. The government must act decisively to address these failures and ensure justice is served.

“In the face of such challenges, we must not succumb to despair. Instead, let this moment spur us to unite for peace and security. I urge all Nigerians to practise charity, support those in need, and stand together against violence and division. Specifically, we call on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of the sixteen hunters and ensure the perpetrators face justice.

“Leaders at all levels must also promote understanding and reject mob actions. CAN reaffirms its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with Muslim leaders, fostering interfaith initiatives to build a stronger nation.”

Oluwo: Nigerians deserve protection

Oba Akanbi, who lamented the murders, said “Nigerians should be protected, safe and secured regardless the ethnicity and religion.”

Oluwo said the traditional rulers and community leaders should also embrace Nigerians regardless of their ethnicity, race and religion.

He said:“I condemned jungle justice of the 16 hunters in all ramifications. This is not good at all, they(slain hunters) are Nigerians, and they should be protected anywhere, Nigerians are free to move anywhere, we are all Nigerians, and we should be saved and secure regardless of ethnicity and religion.

“This is about accepting ourselves no matter our the race, it is about love, Nigeria is for Nigerians.”

Lawmaker condemns incident

The Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akintunde Rotimi, condemned the lynching of hunters, urging the government to apprehend the killers.

Rotimi, who represents Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye) Constituency, expressed his displeasure at Ayede-Ekiti during the 2nd Ramadan Annual Lecture, organised by him in honour of the National Vice President of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Aare Sulaiman Ogunlayi.

He said l security agencies should bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that Nigerians should be able to coexist peacefully regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

Rotimi added: “Nigerians should be able to coexist peacefully regardless of our cultural and traditional differences. There must be love and harmony among us.

“On behalf of the people of Ikole/Oye-Ekiti Federal Constituency, we condemn the violent mob attack on those travellers in Edo State. We call on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.”

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