… Describes Act as Barbaric
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the killing and burning of seven suspected kidnappers by a mob in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable.
The Governor, represented by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, vowed that those responsible would face the full wrath of the law. He emphasized that such acts of jungle justice are alien to Edo State and would not be tolerated under his administration.
SP Osaghale, who visited Uromi on the Governor’s directive, said he was there to assess the situation and ensure a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent a recurrence.
He revealed that preliminary findings showed the victims had boarded a commercial truck, which was stopped by local security operatives. Upon searching the vehicle, firearms were discovered, triggering a mob attack that led to the killing and burning of the suspects.
Condemning the incident, the CSO stressed that no one has the right to take another person’s life, adding that the nature of the attack was of serious concern to the Governor.
“His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, upon receiving the news of this incident, directed me to immediately visit the scene and ascertain what transpired. This development is troubling to the Governor, whose priority is to maintain law and order in Edo State,” Osaghale stated.
“I can assure you that those responsible for this attack will not go unpunished. His Excellency has already directed the Commissioner of Police to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter. As we speak, over four persons have been arrested for their involvement in this unfortunate incident,” he added.
The CSO urged residents to remain calm and assured the Hausa community in Uromi of their safety. He noted that security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, had been deployed to restore peace and normalcy in the area.
In response, the leader of the Hausa community in Uromi, Mallam Aliyu Haruna, expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for his swift intervention. He acknowledged that the presence of security forces had reassured the community, which was initially gripped by fear following the incident.
“We sincerely appreciate the Governor for his quick response. This is the first time such an incident has occurred in Uromi, and it is shocking. The people of Uromi have always been hospitable to us in the Hausa community,” Haruna stated.
He noted that the Hausa community has peacefully coexisted with the indigenes for over seventy years, adding, “I was born here, just like many others in our community. We have always lived in harmony with the people of Uromi.”
The Edo State Government has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served in the wake of the tragic event
