The Edo State Police Command has said it had begun an investigation into the alleged assault of an activist, Okhai Okhani, by armed vigilantes in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, of the state.

Okhani, who is also the coordinator of Edo North Unity Worldwide, was on Saturday brutalised at the venue of a stakeholders’ summit he organised for political office holders in Edo North to present their scorecards.

The assault was captured in a viral video as Okhani was beaten to a pulp before being put in a truck and taken to the Auchi Area Command of the Nigeria Police.

However, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Iyamu, said the command was aware and had begun an investigation into the matter.

He said, “The command is aware of a disturbing incident involving the alleged brutalisation of Okai Okhani by individuals identified as members of a local vigilante group in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.

“A video clip of the incident, which occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2025, has since gone viral and elicited widespread public concern and condemnation.

“The command condemns in strong terms any form of unlawful assault, cruel treatment, or abuse of authority by individuals or groups operating under any guise.

“Accordingly, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

He said the command would not condone any act of impunity or human rights violation, irrespective of the status of the individuals involved.

“While we continue to support collaborative efforts in community policing, including the role of vigilante groups in complementing security operations, such roles must be carried out within the ambit of the law and with respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and law-abiding, and to allow the Police to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” he said.

The activist, currently at an undisclosed hospital in the state, is calling on the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army, Directorate of State Services, and the Edo State Government to investigate the incident, arrest the perpetrators, and ensure justice is served.

Narrating his ordeal via telephone on Monday, Okhani alleged that over 50 uniformed armed vigilantes and thugs stormed the venue of a stakeholders’ summit he organised, destroying banners by Local Government Areas in Edo North to showcase their achievements.

The event, according to him, is an annual forum to assess and honour public office holders who had positively impacted their constituencies in delivering dividends of democracy.

He stated that he had sent out official invitations to notable political figures, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Peter Akpatason, Anamero Sunday, and Hussein Mustapher, and several others.

He added that he got approval from the Acting Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council, Hon. Valentine Okuilagwe to use the venue.

Okhani said the event was about to begin when vigilantes attacked and brutalised guests, destroying their valuables, including phones.

He added, “I am in pain. My ribs and head ache badly. These men dragged me to an unknown location before deciding to hand me over to the Area Commander, ACP Lawrence Adjihu, and his deputy, CSP Albert Udeme.”

Calling for public support and prayers, he urged the Edo State Government to prevent further abuse of power by vigilante operatives while calling for those behind the attack to be brought to book.