The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, visited the Maitama residence of the Deputy President of the Senate in Abuja on Monday to offer condolences for the killings of travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to a statement released on Monday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, a mob had stopped the travelers traveling to Kano State for Sallah celebrations, looted their vehicle, and brutally killed the hunters.
“The governor extended his condolences to the Deputy President of the Senate, who is from Kano State, pledging that the state government will assist the families of the victims.”
The governor of Edo State said in the statement that the 14 suspects detained in relation to the travelers’ murders will be sent to Abuja for additional questioning.
He called the killings of the innocent travelers regrettable and unacceptable, but he also promised that those responsible would be subject to the full force of the law.
“It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy. The president is doing something drastic about this. He’s not happy also. The IG has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects.”
“So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased,” the governor was quoted as saying.”
Responding, the Deputy President of the Senate said the perpetrators of the act must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.
“We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want – all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction. And I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected.”
” I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the facts.”
“If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere. And this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again.”
“I thank you very much. You’ve told me now that you’ll meet the Kano State governor today. This is very good. Please continue what you are doing. Mr President also told us that you are doing very well in this direction, and we have seen it because, as I said, we have spoken several times on this matter in the last 72 hours,” he said.
