The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said Governor Monday Okpebholo is losing control of the state with the killing of 16 travellers in the state.
The party in a statement by its publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, said the recent government classification of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group exposed the absence of a coherent security framework under the administration of Oklebholo.
“The suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), is a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed”.
He said for allowing vigilante group, operating without proper registration to take up arms and engage in extra-judicial killings is an indictment of the Okpebholo administration’s failure to properly regulate, train, and coordinate security efforts in the state.
The PDP however called for audit and review of the state security corps to eliminate unregistered groups and ensure accountability in operations as well as arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.
Responding through his spokesperson, Fred Itua, Okpebholo said it is disappointing that the PDP has chosen to exploit a tragic event for political gains rather than contribute constructively to ongoing efforts to enhance security.
He said Okpebholo administration had demonstrated an unyielding commitment to addressing security challenges head-on in the state.
“The classification of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group and the subsequent suspension of the Edo State Security Corps Commander, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), is a clear indication that this government does not condone lawlessness or impunity unlike previous administrations”
He said the state government has already commenced a full-scale investigation into the Uromi incident, with the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
“Edo’s security is a priority, and no amount of political manipulation will derail this administration’s commitment to that goal.” he said.