The Edo State Government and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have clashed over what the latter has described as rising spate of insecurity in the state.
The controversy intensified after the gruesome killing of travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area. While the PDP accused Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration of losing control of security, the government dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Sunday, PDP Publicity Secretary Chris Osa Nehikhare expressed deep concern over what he described as a breakdown of law and order under the Okpebholo administration.
“The recent classification of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group only highlights the government’s failure to establish a coherent security strategy,” Nehikhare said.
He also faulted the government’s response to the February 5 mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps, saying it was an early warning sign of the administration’s inefficiencies.
“Rather than address the concerns of the security corps members, the government ignored them. Now, Edo people are paying the price with their lives,” he added.
Nehikhare further alleged that unregulated vigilante groups were freely operating in the state without oversight, leading to cases of extra-judicial killings.
“It is distressing that the government allowed armed groups to operate without any form of supervision,” he stated.
The PDP demanded an overhaul of the Edo State Security Corps, the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the Uromi killings, and the immediate deployment of federal security agencies to restore order.
The party also proposed a security summit involving traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and opposition parties to develop a new strategy.
However, the Edo State Government swiftly rejected the PDP’s claims, calling them a deliberate distortion of facts aimed at political propaganda.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the government insisted that it had taken decisive steps to address insecurity.
“The suspension of Edo State Security Corps Commander, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), and the classification of the attackers as an illegal vigilante group demonstrate this government’s zero tolerance for lawlessness,” Itua said. He accused the PDP of attempting to exploit a tragic event for political gain.
Itua also refuted the opposition party’s claim that the government ignored the February 5 2025 protest by security corps members.
“The administration has been proactive in reviewing the operational framework of the corps to prevent future lapses,” he said. He emphasized that the government had prioritized security through enhanced collaboration with security agencies, strengthening community policing structures, and implementing a multi-layered security approach.
“Unlike past administrations that ignored security lapses, this government is taking concrete action,” Itua argued.
Governor Okpebholo reassured Edo residents that his administration remained committed to their safety. “Edo people should remain calm and support ongoing security efforts,” the governor urged.
He dismissed the PDP’s call for federal intervention as unnecessary, saying, “The state government is capable of handling its internal security challenges without external interference.”
He also reaffirmed his administration’s determination to maintain peace and stability despite what he described as attempts by the opposition to politicize security matters.
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