The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Sunday, alleged that the suspension of the Commander of the State Security Network Corps, SSNC, Friday Ibadin, was an indication that the Monday Okpebholo-led government had lost touch with security in the State.

Gatekeeper reports that the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday announced the suspension of the Commander of the State Security Network Corps and all illegal vigilantes following the March 27, 2025, killing of seven suspected kidnappers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area in the state.

A statement by Chris Nehikhare, the State Publicity Secretary, PDP Caretaker Committee, made available to newsmen in Benin City, opined that the suspension of the Commander was a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed.

Nehikhare also added that the government’s classification of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group only further exposes the absence of a coherent security framework under the current administration and a continuation of the blame game the government has come to master.

He posited that the February 5, March 2025, mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps was an early warning sign of deep-rooted inefficiencies, which the governor allegedly chose to ignore.

He noted that the Edo people are paying the price with their lives.

The PDP publicity secretary noted that it was distressing that a vigilante group, operating without any oversight or proper registration, was allowed to take up arms and engage in extra-judicial killings.

He stated that the action was an indictment of the Okpebholo administration’s failure to properly regulate, train, and coordinate security efforts in the state.

According to him, Edo State PDP is deeply alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the state, which has now culminated in the gruesome killing of innocent travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.

“The recent government classification of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group only further exposes the absence of a coherent security framework under the current administration and a continuation of the blame game this government has come to master.

“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. The February 5 mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps was an early warning sign of deep-rooted inefficiencies, yet Senator Monday Okpebholo chose to ignore it. Now, Edo people are paying the price with their lives.

“It is particularly distressing that a vigilante group, operating without any oversight or proper registration, was allowed to take up arms and engage in extra-judicial killings.

“This is an indictment of the Okpebholo administration’s failure to properly regulate, train, and coordinate security efforts in the state”, he said.

The party, however, demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of the killings of the seven travelers to prevent further loss of lives

It said the government must ensure that all those responsible for the killings, including their sponsors, face the full weight of the law.

It also demanded the comprehensive audit and overhauling of the Edo State Security Corps, advocating that the security structure be reviewed to eliminate unregistered groups and ensure accountability in operations.

Another demand is the deployment of Federal security agencies, stating that an intervention becomes necessary to stabilize the situation following the alleged state government’s apparent inability to maintain law and order.

“Implementation of a New Security Strategy: The PDP calls for a non-partisan security summit involving all stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and opposition parties—to map out an effective security blueprint for the state”, he added.

While stating that the safety of Edo people cannot be sacrificed at the altar of incompetence, he added that Governor Okpebholo must rise to the occasion and take decisive actions or accept that his administration has failed and step aside for those who can secure the lives and properties of our people.

Nehikhare opined that Edo State cannot continue on this perilous path, assuring that PDP remains committed to advocating for the protection of all citizens and ensuring that justice prevails.