Edo Killings: House Committee Blames Security Fragmentation, Push for State Police

The House of Representatives Committee on Army has raised concern over the killing of 16 northern hunters by a local vigilante group in Uromi, Edo State. 

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, the Committee Chairman, Babajimi Benson, described the incident as heartbreaking and avoidable.

Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency, said the killings point to the need to reform Nigeria’s internal security framework—starting with the creation of state police and regulation of vigilante groups.

“What happened in Edo is not just a tragedy—it’s a wake-up call. Our internal security architecture is overstretched and under coordinated. State police is not just an option anymore; it’s a necessity,” Benson said.

He stated that many vigilante groups operate without adequate training or supervision, leading to abuses and acts of jungle justice.

“Without proper oversight, we’ll keep seeing these kinds of heartbreaking incidents. Vigilantes need to be trained and brought under a national strategy. A well-structured state police system would help ensure security officers are locally grounded, properly trained, and accountable,” he explained

Benson also pointed out the fragmentation in the security sector. He said there are now more licensed private security operatives under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps than the total number of military and police personnel combined—yet there is no unified plan linking them to national security efforts.

“This scattered approach to security creates dangerous gaps. We can’t afford to be this disorganized in a country of over 200 million people,” he said.

He further noted that the military should focus on defending Nigeria’s borders, rather than being involved in internal security operations that local police units could handle more effectively.

“Local challenges like communal clashes, banditry, or vigilante excesses are best managed by officers who understand the local context and language. That’s what state policing brings to the table,” Benson said.

He referenced the situation in Haiti, where the collapse of internal security allowed gang leaders like Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier—once a police officer—to take control of entire communities.

“We don’t want a repeat of that here. Let’s learn from others and act now,” he said.

Benson added that the House Committee on Army is working to support constitutional reforms to establish state police and ensure oversight of all security outfits.

“If done right, these reforms can rebuild public trust and make our communities truly safe again,” he said.

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