PDP Urges Tinubu to Declare State of Emergency in Edo Over Killings 

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state following the killing of seven people by an angry mob in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s caretaker chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, strongly condemned the incident, alleging that the mob was led by the newly reorganized state vigilante operatives under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

“Having suffered repeated killings, abductions, and the rape of their women, children, and men in the past few months, the indigenes of the state have become paranoid due to the lack of intervention by the state governor and the security apparatus. Out of frustration, they have now resorted to extrajudicial killings,” the statement read.

The PDP further asserted that citizens often reflect the character of their government. “Having sensed that Okpebholo’s administration does not follow the established rule of law or obey court judgments, the tendency is for the civil population to mirror such behavior.”

The party lamented that the security situation in Edo has deteriorated to an alarming level, citing the recent killings as an example of the state’s descent into lawlessness.

“With seven people burned alive in just one day and several other killings—numbering over 100 in the past few months—the PDP is therefore calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make the necessary call and declare a state of emergency in Edo State. The mayhem currently ongoing in Edo far exceeds the skirmishes that happened in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency there,” said PDP spokesperson Chris Nehikhare.

Expressing sympathy for the families of the victims, the PDP prayed for strength and fortitude for those affected by the tragic events.

The party also highlighted the remarks of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, who recently raised concerns in the Senate over the worsening security crisis in the state. “The crisis far surpasses the skirmishes that took place in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency.”

To restore order and safeguard lives, the PDP urged President Tinubu to take immediate action. “For the safety of our people and to put an end to these mindless killings, rapes, abductions, and destruction of property in Edo, we believe it is appropriate for the President to declare a state of emergency in Edo State as a matter of urgency.”

The PDP further warned that the Uromi community remains in fear of potential reprisals following the killings. “The people of Uromi, after the mayhem of yesterday, have been living in fear due to the possibility of reprisals from the relatives and communities of those killed by Okpebholo’s vigilante operatives. As we speak, the area has been deserted, and everyone is in hiding for fear of the unknown.”

The party cautioned that the situation could escalate into a full-blown conflict if not urgently addressed. “This makes the declaration of a state of emergency even more crucial. If the relatives of those gruesomely killed by this angry mob of vigilante operatives regroup and launch an attack on this Edo community, it could lead to a full-blown war within the state.”

Criticizing Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, the PDP accused him of failing to address the state’s security concerns. “We have repeatedly warned that Okpebholo has displayed a clear lack of competence in handling the state’s affairs. Since assuming office, he has done practically nothing except hop from one project site of the previous administration to another, trying to undo the good work carried out by the previous PDP administration instead of focusing on governance, developing a plan, and implementing the same for the progress and prosperity of the state and its people.”

The party also alleged that the governor’s handling of the security network had exacerbated the crisis. “As part of his futile efforts to undo the good work of the previous PDP government, he has disorganized the security network, abandoned the surveillance system with cameras and other nuanced systems put in place to tackle crime and criminality, leaving the state in chaos.”

Accusing Okpebholo of prioritizing politics over governance, the PDP stated, “Unfortunately, Okpebholo is only obsessed with politics, thereby abandoning governance and the welfare and security of the people, which is his primary responsibility.”

Concluding its statement, the PDP reiterated its call for urgent intervention. “These are needless deaths—far too many—and we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action to prevent further loss of lives and ensure the safety and security of Edo State and its people,” Aziegbemi stated.

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