Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the deputy governor of Kano State, has reassured the public that northerners living in Edo are secure in the wake of the recent violent attacks in Uromi, Edo State, which killed a number of Kano natives.
His comments came after a high-level expedition to the South-South state to gather information and promote peace. Shortly after their return, Gwarzo, who headed a strong delegation to Edo, spoke to reporters in Kano.
He emphasized that the mission’s goals were to evaluate the situation on the ground and guarantee the security of the local Kano indigenous population.
The delegation comprised representatives of the Edo community in Kano, the Chairman of Bunkure Local Government, where the majority of the victims resided, four state commissioners, Ambassador Muhammad Isa Umar, the Emir of Rano, and others.
The visit came after Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo led a previous delegation of condolences to the Torankawa hamlet in Bunkure Local Government Area, which was the home of seven of the fatalities.
The group was greeted by what Gwarzo called an extraordinary display of solidarity from the local community as well as the sizable northern population that resided in Uromi, the scene of the attack.
“We met with the king of the Uromi Kingdom and his senior chiefs. The Edo State governor personally accompanied us to the scene. It was a long journey nearly two hours from Benin but the turnout was incredible,” Gwarzo said.
He commended the Edo State government for taking swift and decisive action in the aftermath of the incident.
According to Gwarzo, the state has disbanded the local vigilante group allegedly linked to the killings and arrested 14 suspects so far, with efforts underway to track down the remaining culprits.
“In a strong display of commitment, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State has been transferred over the incident, underscoring the seriousness with which the government is treating the matter,” he added.
A thorough report outlining the deaths, injuries, and property losses had been prepared by the Kano State Government, Gwarzo disclosed. This report has been handed to Governor Okpebholo, who vowed to recompense the victims and their families.
He stressed that the key demand from Kano State is justice, emphasizing that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to live and work anywhere in the country without fear.
“The governor of Edo has assured us that those responsible will be brought to book. There is no animosity toward northerners in Edo.
“From what we witnessed, I can confidently say our people are very safe there,” Gwarzo reiterated.
Additionally, he verified that 26 people had survived the assault, most of whom were from Kano’s five local government districts.
As authorities from both states continue to strive for enduring peace and justice, the tragedy prompted calls across the country for enhanced interethnic cooperation and better community policing.
