The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state following the lynching and burning of seven individuals accused of kidnapping.
The incident, which occurred in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, saw an irate mob take justice into their own hands, DAILY POST reports.
In a statement, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee, condemned the extrajudicial killings, describing the security situation as dire.
“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,” Aziegbemi stated.
He alleged that the killings were orchestrated by the newly reorganized state vigilante operatives under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
According to Aziegbemi, the unchecked rise in kidnappings, murders, and sexual violence has driven residents to take matters into their own hands, leading to a dangerous cycle of violence.
“The Senator representing Edo North, 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 led to a state of emergency,” he added.
Aziegbemi warned that the Uromi community now lives in fear of possible reprisals from the families and associates of those killed.
“As we speak, the area has been deserted, with residents in hiding for fear of the unknown. If the relatives of those gruesomely killed regroup and launch an attack, it could lead to a full-blown war within the state,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Governor Monday Okpebholo, who visited the scene of the incident on Friday, March 28, 2025, condemned the killings and ordered a full-scale investigation.
Describing the act as unjustifiable, Okpebholo directed the Edo State Police Command and other security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Indi reports that at least four individuals have been arrested in connection with the killings.
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