The House of Representatives Committee on Army has condemned the killing of 16 hunters in Uromi, Edo State, describing the incident as a disturbing example of rising jungle justice and the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s internal security system.
Chairman of the Committee, Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency, spoke exclusively to The PUNCH in Abuja on Wednesday.
He emphasized the importance of professional training and regulation of vigilante groups across the country to prevent lawlessness in communities.
“The killing of 16 hunters in Edo is tragic and deeply concerning,” Benson said.
“It highlights the need for a complete restructuring of our internal security architecture. Establishing state police is no longer just a political idea—it is a national security necessity.”
Benson noted that many vigilante groups currently operate without proper training, oversight, or alignment with national security frameworks, often leading to abuses and extrajudicial actions.
He stressed that state police would provide trained, accountable personnel equipped to work within a broader, integrated security structure.
“Institutionalizing state police would help close the gaps in our local law enforcement,” he said.
“It will reduce the burden on the military and address community-level issues like banditry, clashes, and vigilante misconduct more effectively.”
He also drew attention to the fragmented nature of Nigeria’s security system, revealing that the number of licensed private security personnel overseen by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps now surpasses that of the military and police combined, yet lacks strategic coordination.
“This disjointed setup is dangerous for a country of over 200 million people,” he warned.
Benson called for the military to return to its core constitutional mandate—defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity—while local and state police should take the lead on internal security matters.
Referencing global lessons, he pointed to Haiti’s ongoing security collapse as a cautionary tale.
There, the absence of a strong internal security framework allowed armed groups and rogue actors to seize control.
“We must avoid a repeat of the Haitian scenario. Nigeria cannot afford that kind of breakdown,” he said.
Benson reaffirmed the House Committee on Army’s dedication to pushing for comprehensive reforms, including the establishment of constitutionally-backed state police, national regulation, and strategic oversight.
“These steps, if properly implemented, will restore public trust, improve community safety, and protect lives and property across the nation,” he concluded.
In response to the killings, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo visited Kano, home to most of the victims, and pledged justice and compensation for the affected families.