Edo Governor Condemns Mob Killing of 16 Northern Travelers Alleged to be Kidnappers in Uromi
By: Zagazola Makama
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has condemned the mob attack and killing of some travelers accused of kidnapping in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.
In a statement on Friday, the governor, represented by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, described the act as barbaric and unacceptable. He vowed that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, in the statement, said investigations revealed that the victims were passengers on a commercial truck that was stopped by local security operatives. Upon searching the vehicle, guns were discovered, leading to suspicion and an attack by a mob.
The governor warned that no individual has the right to take another person’s life, stressing that the gruesome nature of the killings was deeply concerning.
“His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, upon receiving news of this incident, directed me to visit the scene and ascertain what transpired,” Osaghale said.
“He has also ordered the Commissioner of Police to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter. As we speak, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.”
He urged residents to remain calm, assuring the Hausa community in Uromi of their safety as security personnel had been deployed to restore peace.
Speaking on behalf of the Hausa community, their leader, Aliyu Haruna, commended the Edo State Government for its swift intervention. He expressed shock over the attack, stating that such an incident had never occurred in the community.
“This is the first time we are witnessing something like this in Uromi,” Haruna said.
“We have lived here for over 70 years in peace, and the people of Uromi have always been accommodating.”
