JUST IN: State of emergency to be declared in Edo over killing of 7 alleged kidnappers

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Following the deaths of seven people suspected of being kidnappers, the Peoples Democratic Party’s Edo State branch, or PDP, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to impose a state of emergency in the state.

In Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, an enraged mob is said to have lynched and burned alive the suspects, according to ZINGTIE.

The Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, denounced the mob behavior in a statement, saying: “With seven people burnt alive in a single day and over 100 others killed in recent months, the PDP is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action. The mayhem currently unfolding in Edo surpasses the incidents in Rivers State, which resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency.

“These needless deaths are far too many. We urge the President to act immediately to prevent further loss of lives and ensure the safety and security of Edo State and its people.”

Aziegbemi claimed that the newly reorganized state vigilante agents working under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership were responsible for the murders.

He added that inhabitants of Edo have turned to extrajudicial executions in a show of discontent after experiencing several murders, kidnappings, and sexual assaults in recent months without any help from the state administration or security forces.

“For emphasis, we reiterate that kidnapping, murder, and other violent crimes have become daily occurrences in Edo, claiming no fewer than 100 lives in the last few months.

“The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, even raised an alarm on the Senate floor that the state was under siege. The crisis in Edo surpasses the skirmishes in Rivers State, which resulted in a state of emergency declaration.

“Therefore, for the safety of our people and to end these mindless killings, rapes, abductions, and destruction of property, we strongly believe that the President must declare a state of emergency in Edo as a matter of urgency.

“The people of Uromi, after the mayhem of yesterday, now live in fear of possible reprisals from the relatives and communities of those killed by the vigilante operatives.

“As we speak, the area has been deserted, with residents in hiding for fear of the unknown. This makes a state of emergency even more crucial. If the relatives of those gruesomely killed regroup and launch an attack, it could lead to a full-blown war within the state.

“We sympathise with the families of the victims of these unfortunate and senseless killings and pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.ZINGTIE remembers that on Friday, March 28, 2025, Governor Monday Okpebholo visited the scene of the tragedy and issued an order for a thorough investigation.

Members of a local vigilante group are accused of carrying out the killings, which Okpebholo described as unacceptable. He gave the Edo State Police Command and other security forces instructions to carry out an exhaustive and prompt inquiry and make sure the guilty are held accountable.

In order to find and capture the criminals, the governor also asked the populace to work with security forces.

According to the ZINGTIE, at least four people have been taken into custody in relation to the murders.

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