Uromi Massacre: Edo gov visits victims’ families in Kano, promises justice
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, arrived in Kano and visited Torankawa village in Bunkure Local Government Area where most of the 16 hunters killed last week in Uromi, Edo State, hail from.
The governor was accompanied by his Kano State counterpart, Abba Yusuf.
The tragic incident occurred when the hunters were on their way from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Kano for the Sallah celebration when some vigilantes intercepted and lynched them.
Okpebholo and Yusuf visited the village to condole with the families of the slain hunters.
In Torankawa, families, friends and colleagues of the hunters have been in mourning since the incident happened.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo assured the people of Kano that justice would be served, he told the families of the victims that compensation would be paid.
He noted that 14 suspects had been arrested and were being transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
He reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining harmony between the Hausa community in Edo and their hosts.
READ ALSO: Mob burns 16 northern travellers to death after labelling them kidnappers
Okpebholo stressed that the attack did not reflect the values of the state.
“I want to assure you that Mr. President is deeply disturbed by this incident and has directed security agencies to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators to book,” he said.
Addressing the villagers, the governor of Kano, Yusuf, acknowledged their pain and expressed condolences.
Governor Yusuf assured that the state government would take immediate steps to ensure justice.
Furthermore, Governor Okpebholo spoke about the danger of reprisal attacks and the need for communities to work together.
The two governors assured that security forces would handle the situation and that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Youths and women in the village also trooped out, calling for justice.
They displayed placards with such inscriptions as “Hunters are not criminals,” “Hunting is business, not crime,” “Justice for our travelling hunters,” “We need speedy dispensation of justice,” “All we want is justice,” “Stop killing Northerners,” “We are peace-loving people,” and “Justice for innocent souls,” among others.
Earlier, while receiving Okpebholo at the Kano State Government House, Governor Yusuf had called on the Edo State government to ensure public parade and immediate prosecution of the hunters’ killers.
READ ALSO: Edo killings: Governor Yusuf demands public parade of suspects, compensation for victims
“It is a known fact that our people were traveling from Port Harcourt through Edo State when they were brutally attacked. Many were maimed, burnt and murdered in cold blood.
He acknowledged the swift response of the Edo State government and commended Okpebholo for his visit to the scene and his efforts to ensure the victims were buried in accordance with the law.
He also praised the arrests made by security agencies and urged that justice be served.
“Kano people trust you, and you have assured us that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“We appeal to you to ensure that they are not only arrested but also paraded publicly so that the world sees those responsible for this heinous crime,” Yusuf stated.
He reiterated the Kano State government’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Governor Yusuf, who warned against reprisals, emphasised that Nigeria belongs to all.
He called on leaders to work together to prevent such incidents in the future.
Yusuf also urged security agencies to take firm action against those who incite violence.
He pledged that cash and foodstuffs would be donated to the families.
He also promised that his administration would ensure justice for the victims.
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