Edo PDP Calls for State of Emergency Over Killing of 7 in Uromi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has condemned the killing of seven people by a mob in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, on Thursday. The party accused the state’s newly reorganized vigilante operatives, under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, of leading the violent attack.

In a statement issued on Friday, PDP Chairman Anthony Aziegbemi expressed concern over the growing violence in the state, attributing it to a lack of intervention by the state government and security agencies. Aziegbemi claimed that residents, frustrated by ongoing kidnappings, killings, and sexual assaults, have begun resorting to extrajudicial measures.

“The people of Edo are increasingly mirroring the lawlessness of the government in power, which has failed to enforce the rule of law,” the statement read.

The PDP pointed to the escalating security crisis, which it said has seen more than 100 deaths in recent months. The party is now urging President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo, arguing that the scale of violence far exceeds the unrest seen in Rivers State, which prompted a similar federal response.

The area around Uromi has reportedly been deserted since the killings due to fears of reprisals.

The opposition party also criticized Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, accusing him of neglecting governance and dismantling security measures put in place by the previous administration. The party concluded by calling on President Tinubu to take urgent action to prevent further loss of life and restore security in Edo State.