BREAKING: PDP Blames Okpebholo For Neglecting Security Advice
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a scathing critique of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration over the recent killing of travellers, accusing it of neglecting critical security warnings and failing to prevent the tragic incident.
The PDP alleges that the governor’s inaction in addressing escalating security concerns directly contributed to the horrifying deaths, where travelers, reportedly en route to the North for the Sallah holiday, were wrongly accused of being kidnappers and subsequently burned alive by an enraged mob.
“The blood of those innocent victims is in the hands of this government,” stated Chris Nehikhare, PDP Publicity Secretary, in a strongly worded statement.
“We raised alarms as far back as February 5, warning about the infiltration of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) by unregulated vigilante groups. These warnings were ignored.”
The PDP highlighted a public protest by ESSN operatives in Benin City, where they expressed a loss of confidence in their then-commander, citing this as a clear indication of the deteriorating security situation.
The party contends that the governor’s subsequent response – a delayed suspension and replacement of the commander – was too little, too late.
“This administration’s reactive approach has emboldened lawlessness,” Nehikhare asserted.
“Labeling the perpetrators as ‘illegal vigilante groups’ only underscores the absence of a coherent security strategy.”
The Uromi incident has sparked widespread fear and outrage, with concerns mounting over potential reprisal attacks.
The PDP has called for immediate and decisive action from the state government to restore public trust and prevent further violence.
In the aftermath of the killings, Governor Okpebholo announced the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating within the state and also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps.
However, these actions have been met with skepticism from the PDP, who view them as an admission of the government’s failure to maintain law and order.
