The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the recent mob killings in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, where seven people were killed by an angry crowd. The PDP accused the newly reorganized vigilante group, which was established under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, of being linked to the tragic incident. The opposition party has called for urgent action from the federal government, including the declaration of a state of emergency, as the state’s security situation continues to worsen.
In a statement issued on Friday, the PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, expressed outrage over the killings and blamed the state government’s inaction for the rising violence. According to Aziegbemi, state security forces were complicit in influencing the mob’s violent actions. The PDP leader argued that citizens of Edo State, feeling abandoned by the government, have resorted to taking the law into their own hands, leading to widespread fear and instability.
The incident in Uromi, where seven individuals lost their lives in a brutal mob attack, has reignited concerns over the increasing violence in the state. The PDP pointed out that this killing is part of a larger pattern of violent incidents, including abductions, murders, and sexual assaults, which have intensified over the past few months. In their statement, the party expressed deep concerns that these acts of violence reflect a general breakdown of law and order under the current administration.
Edo State has been grappling with an alarming rise in violent crime, and the PDP highlighted that more than 100 deaths have been reported in the past few months. In particular, they noted that the recent killings in Uromi are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend of insecurity across the state. The party argued that the state’s security forces, which are supposed to maintain law and order, have been ineffective in curbing the rise of violence and have even shown signs of complicity in the ongoing unrest.
The PDP has expressed concern that the failure of Governor Okpebholo to take decisive action on the issue of security is directly contributing to the lawlessness that now pervades Edo State. They claim that instead of focusing on improving the safety of residents, the governor has been preoccupied with dismantling the programs and legacies of the previous administration, leaving the state vulnerable to criminals and mob violence.
In light of the rising violence and the perceived failure of the state government to restore order, the PDP has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene by declaring a state of emergency in Edo State. The party pointed to the situation in Rivers State, where similar unrest prompted federal intervention and the declaration of a state of emergency. The PDP believes that such an intervention is now necessary in Edo, where the violence and insecurity are reaching critical levels.
The party’s call for a state of emergency underscores the severity of the situation in the state, with increasing reports of violent clashes between criminal groups, vigilante groups, and local residents. The PDP warned that the continued deterioration of security in Edo could have long-lasting consequences for the state and its people.
One of the primary points of contention raised by the PDP is the role of the reorganized vigilante group established by Governor Okpebholo. The group was created as part of the state government’s efforts to combat crime, but the PDP has accused it of being implicated in the recent mob killings in Uromi. The party claimed that the group, rather than bringing security, has instead contributed to the rising lawlessness in the state, particularly due to its lack of regulation and oversight.
The PDP further criticized the state security forces, accusing them of being complicit in the increasing violence. They claimed that the security agencies have not done enough to address the rising insecurity and, in some cases, have even been involved in facilitating extrajudicial actions, such as mob killings. The party called for a complete overhaul of the security apparatus in the state, with greater accountability and transparency in how security resources are deployed.
The PDP also took aim at Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, accusing him of being more focused on undoing the progress made by the previous administration than addressing the state’s security challenges. The party alleged that the governor has not taken meaningful steps to address the root causes of violence in the state, such as youth unemployment, poverty, and the proliferation of arms. Instead, they argued, the governor has allowed the situation to worsen by failing to implement effective security policies and strategies.
Governor Okpebholo’s leadership has come under increasing scrutiny as the security situation in the state deteriorates. The PDP claims that Okpebholo’s inaction has created an environment where violence thrives, and citizens are left to fend for themselves. The party argues that if the governor is not held accountable for his failure to protect the people, the violence will continue to escalate.
The debate over whether a state of emergency should be declared in Edo State has become a central issue in the ongoing discussion about security in Nigeria. While the PDP has called for federal intervention, some local stakeholders argue that the solution lies within the state government’s ability to take swift and decisive action. However, with the continued rise in killings, abductions, and other forms of violence, many are now questioning whether the state government is capable of restoring order without federal assistance.
A state of emergency would grant the federal government greater control over the security situation in the state and allow for the deployment of additional security forces. However, such a move would likely face political opposition from local politicians, including those who support Governor Okpebholo’s administration. Some fear that federal intervention could further inflame tensions and create a power struggle between the state and federal governments.
