EDO KILLING: PDP BLAMES OKPEBHOLO

Following the murder of sixteen hunters in Uromi, Edo State by suspected mob, on Thursday, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has blamed the incident, on alleged inaction of the state governor, Monday Okpebholo’s administration.

In a statement on Monday, the party claimed that the government’s handling of security across the state was responsible for the chaos.

According to the party, there were earlier warnings about the breakdown of the state’s security structure.

The party recalled that on February 5, just one month before the attack, operatives of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) staged a public protest in Benin City, during which they passed a vote of no confidence in their commander, retired Commissioner of Police Friday Ibadin, citing rising insecurity, a surge in kidnappings and killings, and the alleged infiltration of the network by unregulated vigilante groups.

It could be recalled that the protest by the vigilante members came a day after Governor Okpebholo reportedly removed Ibadin and appointed Assistant Commander Balogun in his place.

That decision was reversed within 24 hours, reinstating Ibadin and igniting the revolt within the ESSN.

Speaking during the protest, an ESSN operative, Imade Eweka accused Ibadin of turning the network into a political instrument.