PDP CALLS FOR STATE OF EMERGENCY IN EDO AFTER KILLING OF SEVEN ALLEGED KIDNAPPERS

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The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state following the killing of seven people alleged to be kidnappers.

It was gathered that the suspects were allegedly lynched and burnt alive by an angry mob in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.

In a statement, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee, condemned the mob action, 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 alleged that the killings were led by the recently reorganised state vigilante operatives under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

He further stated that Edo residents, having endured repeated killings, abductions, and sexual violence in recent months without intervention from the state government or security agencies, have now resorted to extrajudicial killings out of frustration.

“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.

Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo visited the scene of the incident on Friday, 28 March 2025, and ordered a full-scale investigation.

Describing the killings as unjustifiable, Okpebholo noted that the act was allegedly committed by members of a local vigilante group.

He directed the Edo State Police Command and other security agencies to conduct a thorough and swift investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The governor also urged the community to cooperate with security agencies to identify and apprehend the culprits.

It was also gathered that at least four individuals have been arrested in connection with the killings.