Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has issued a firm assurance that justice will prevail in the wake of the gruesome Uromi killings.
In a bold move, he declared that all arrested suspects will be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation, vowing that those responsible will not escape justice.
During a condolence visit to Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, the governor reiterated his commitment to ensuring the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
The visit, which took place on the 31st of March, 2025, at the senator’s Maitama residence in Abuja, was a moment of solemnity and resolve.
Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, disclosed that the governor expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, which saw a mob attack travelers en route to Kano for Sallah celebrations.
The travelers, who were identified as hunters from Kano State, were intercepted, their vehicle ransacked, and their lives brutally taken in an act that has sparked national outrage.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Okpebholo extended his condolences to Senator Jibrin and the people of Kano State, emphasizing that the Edo State government would provide support to the bereaved families.
Determined to bring closure to the case, he revealed that 14 suspects had already been apprehended and would be transferred to Abuja for further questioning.
“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,” the governor stated.
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“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,” he added, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to justice and support for the affected families.
In his response, the Deputy Senate President underscored the necessity of swift justice, stating that the perpetrators must face the consequences of their actions to deter future occurrences.
“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,” he remarked.
“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 added.
As the nation watches, the Edo State government’s firm stance on the matter offers hope that justice will be served and that such tragedies will not recur.
With investigations intensifying and national authorities involved, all eyes remain on the unfolding pursuit of justice.