Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has paid a condolence visit to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, over the killing of travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The governor visited the Maitama residence of the Deputy President of the Senate in Abuja on Monday.
He stated that a mob had intercepted the innocent travelers, who were on their way to Kano State for Sallah celebrations, ransacked their vehicle, and gruesomely murdered them on Thursday.
The victims who were hunters are from Kano State.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the governor extended his condolences to the Deputy President of the Senate, who is from Kano State, and pledged that the state government would assist the families of the victims.
The Edo State governor also disclosed that the 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killing of the innocent travelers would be taken to Abuja for further interrogation.
While assuring that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law, he described the killings of the innocent travellers as unfortunate and condemnable.
” 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 governor further explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking drastic action on the matter, as he is deeply concerned.
According to him, the Inspector General of Police has also taken swift action, with the Deputy Inspector General of Police (CID) leading the investigation. So far, 14 suspects have been arrested.
He also stated that a committee has already been set up to support the families of the deceased.
In response, the Deputy President of the Senate emphasized that the perpetrators must be brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.
” 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.
He commended the governor for his efforts in that direction and expressed his gratitude that the state government is prepared to assist the families of those affected.
According to the statement, the Deputy Senate President urged the government to continue pursuing the case to ensure that all those involved in these barbaric acts are brought to justice.
“If they are brought to justice, it will serve as a deterrent to those who might consider doing this in the future. I know that people from other parts of the country have lived peacefully with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere, and such a barbaric act has never happened before. I am confident that, under your leadership, this will not happen again.“
Senator Barau thanked the governor for his efforts in addressing the issue and for meeting with the Kano State governor. He described this as a commendable step.
REL / Bashir M
