Former Edo 2024 governorship candidate on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Patience Ndidi Ofure Key has expressed deep concern and condemnation of the recent tragic killing of fellow Nigerian travelers in Uromi, Edo State, who were reportedly on their way to Kano for the Muslim celebration of Eid el-Fitr.
She described the senseless act of violence as a horrifying reflection of the growing lawlessness, fear, and mutual suspicion consuming our communities.
This was contained in a press statement she personally signed and made available to Journalists in Benin City.a
“This gruesome and painful act is heartbreaking, unacceptable, and un-Nigerian. My deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of the victims. May God grant them peace that surpasses understanding
“This is not only the height of insecurity, but also the result of decades of government negligence and failure of leadership in protecting lives and property across our nation.
No matter the fear or suspicion surrounding the presence of firearms with some travelers—which indeed raises serious questions that demand investigation—we must never resort to jungle justice or mob action. Justice belongs to the law, not to angry crowds”.
She emphasize that Northerners are not the enemies of Southerners or Southerners the enemies of Northerners, neither are Christians enemies of Muslims or Muslims enemies of Christians. She added that the real enemies are our leaders who have turned their backs on the people, and have turned insecurity into a business.
“I plead with my brothers and sisters in the North—do not retaliate. Do not let this moment be manipulated by political actors who thrive on ethnic and religious division. This tragedy is not a northern issue, it is a Nigerian issue, and we must all mourn together, rise together, and fight back together—not with weapons, but with wisdom and solidarity”.
She further said that it is shameful and heartbreaking that Nigerians now live in constant fear of traveling, of gathering, of simply being alive in the wrong place at the wrong time. She said this is not the Nigeria we were promised and the country our ancestors fought to build.
She however enjoined the people to speak up for victims, demand justice, and refuse to be manipulated, adding that our collective enemies are not our neighbors, but the political class who sit in comfort while the nation burns. “We must rise—not with hatred—but with clarity, courage, and commitment to build a Nigeria where every life matters” she concluded.
