PDP Accuses Governor Okpebholo Of Ignoring Security Warnings Following Uromi Killings

PDP Accuses Governor Okpebholo Of Ignoring Security Warnings Following Uromi Killings

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for allegedly disregarding security warnings that might have averted the recent mob killings in Uromi.

According to the PDP, the government’s failure to act on intelligence reports resulted in the tragic incident where 16 individuals were burned by an irate mob….READ MORE…

In a statement released by PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, the party claimed that as early as February 5, security concerns were raised regarding the infiltration of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) by unregulated vigilante groups. These concerns were reportedly brought to light during a public protest by ESSN operatives in Benin City, who expressed their lack of confidence in their then-commander.

The PDP argued that the governor’s response, which involved suspending the commander after some delay and appointing a replacement, was reactive rather than proactive. The party asserted that this inadequate response to security lapses fostered a climate of lawlessness, culminating in the March 29 incident where travelers, allegedly heading to the North for the Sallah holiday, were mistakenly accused of being kidnappers and subsequently lynched.

Nehikhare further stated that the government’s labeling of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group highlights the lack of a coherent security strategy under Governor Okpebholo’s administration.

The PDP also expressed concern that the incident has intensified ethnic tensions, raising fears of possible reprisal attacks. The party called on the state government to take immediate action to rebuild public trust and prevent further violence.