By Sodiq Oluwaremilekun
Nigeria – Abuja:, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has paid a condolence visit to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, over the recent killings of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The governor met Jibrin at his Maitama residence in Abuja on Monday, following the gruesome murder of travellers who were on their way to Kano State for Sallah celebrations.
The victims, identified as hunters from Kano, were attacked by a mob that intercepted their vehicle on Thursday.
A statement from Ismail Mudashir, the Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on Media and Publicity, confirmed that Okpebholo assured Jibrin of his government’s commitment to assisting the victims’ families.
He also disclosed that 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killings would be taken to Abuja for further interrogation.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
In response, Jibrin emphasised the need for justice, stating that the perpetrators must be held accountable.
“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.
KoikiMedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep