The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appealed to General Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, to declare a state of emergency in Edo State following a surge in violence and lawlessness.
The call comes in response to the brutal killing of seven individuals by a mob in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, an incident the party attributes to the failed leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In a statement issued by Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, the party condemned the extrajudicial lynching and burning of the victims, describing it as a reflection of the current administration’s disregard for the rule of law. “The people of Edo have endured relentless killings, abductions, and assaults in recent months, with no meaningful intervention from Governor Okpebholo or the state’s security forces. Frustrated and paranoid, citizens are now taking justice into their own hands,” the statement read.
The PDP argued that the mob’s actions mirror the lawlessness they perceive in Okpebholo’s government, which they claim flouts court rulings and established legal norms. “When a government fails to uphold justice, the populace often follows suit,” Aziegbemi noted. With over 100 deaths recorded in the past few months, including the recent Uromi incident, the party insists that the crisis in Edo surpasses the unrest in Rivers State that once prompted a state of emergency.
“We call on General Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly and declare a state of emergency in Edo State to halt the ongoing mayhem,” the statement urged. The PDP expressed sympathy for the victims’ families, praying for strength to cope with their loss, while highlighting the daily toll of kidnappings, murders, and other crimes under Okpebholo’s watch. The party also referenced Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s recent Senate address, where he warned that Edo was “under siege.”
The PDP raised concerns about potential reprisals following the Uromi killings, noting that the area has been deserted as residents hide in fear. “If relatives of the victims retaliate, we risk a full-blown conflict within the state,” Aziegbemi warned, underscoring the urgency of federal intervention.
Criticizing Okpebholo’s tenure, the party accused him of incompetence and neglecting governance. “Since taking office, he has focused on dismantling the achievements of the previous PDP administration rather than addressing security or development. He has disrupted the state’s security network, abandoned surveillance systems, and prioritized politics over the welfare of Edo people,” the statement read.
The PDP concluded by imploring General Tinubu to take immediate action to curb the escalating violence, prevent further loss of life, and restore order in Edo State. “These deaths are preventable, and far too many have been lost already,” they emphasized.
