Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, has denounced the mob attack and the deaths of a few tourists who were allegedly abducted in the state.
It was reported that some hunters who were traveling for Sallah had been killed. The victims were apprehended by a mob at Uromi, Edo State’s Esan North East Local Government Area.
The mob burned them alive after determining they were kidnappers after searching their car and discovering Dane weapons used by hunters.
According to a widely shared video that our correspondent saw, some young people gathered up the victims and lit them on fire. Outrage has been sparked by the tragedy, and many Nigerians have accused the federal and state governments of failing to enforce jungle justice.
But the governor warned that those responsible would be held accountable, calling the conduct barbarous and abhorrent.
The governor said he was in the village to determine the extent of the damage and to make sure that an investigation is conducted in order to ensure justice and prevent a recurrence. He made this statement in Uromi through SP Solomon Osaghale, Chief Security Officer, Government House.
According to his findings, the victims had boarded a commercial truck and been stopped by local security personnel. When they searched the truck, they found some firearms, which prompted a mob attack by people in the area.
He emphasized that the governor was concerned about the savage killing and warned that no one has the right to take another man’s life.
“I can assure you that the people involved in this unprovoked attack will not go scot -free, as His Excellency has directed the Commissioner of Police to launch a full scale investigation into the matter.”
“As I speak now, over four persons have been arrested for their involvement in this ugly incidence,” he said.
He did, however, urge calm and reassure law-abiding citizens of Uromi, particularly the Hausa community, that they could carry on with their regular lives as Nigerian police officers and other security personnel had been sent in to bring peace and normalcy back to the area.
