Report by ABDULLAHI JALALUDDEEN; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
In the wake of the brutal killing of 16 hunters in Udune Efandion, Uromi Local Government Area of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has strongly condemned the senseless act, describing it as “barbaric and vicious”.
Okpebholo, alongside Governor Abdullahi Yusuf of Kano State, offered prayers for the souls of the victims at Bunkure village the country home of the affected victims and assured the bereaved families that all those involved would be brought to justice.
The governor’s condemnation comes after a mob attack on the hunters, who were mistaken for kidnappers, resulted in the brutal killing of 16 individuals.
The incident had sparked widespread outrage, with President Bola Tinubu ordering a manhunt for the perpetrators and directing security agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigations.
Okpebholo assured that his administration would take all necessary steps to ensure that everyone involved in the attack was apprehended and brought to justice. So far, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The governor also commended the people of Kano State and the entire North for not taking the law into their own hands in the name of reprisal attacks.
He announced that arrangements were being made to provide compensation to all the victims affected by the incident.
Governor Yusuf, who hosted Okpebholo in Kano, pledged to donate cash and food items to the families of the hunters killed in Uromi, Edo State.
He also promised that compensation would be paid to the victims of the unfortunate incident, emphasizing that the government would not relent in ensuring justice for the victims.