Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, following the brutal killing of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The governor visited the senator at his Maitama residence in Abuja on Monday to express his sympathies over the tragic incident.
The victims, identified as hunters from Kano State, were reportedly attacked and murdered by a mob while traveling to Kano for Sallah celebrations. Their vehicle was intercepted, searched, and they were killed in a gruesome manner.
A statement released by the Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, confirmed the visit.
“The governor extended his condolences to the Deputy President of the Senate, who is from Kano State, pledging that the state government will assist the families of the victims,” the statement read.
Governor Okpebholo assured that those responsible for the killings would face justice, describing the incident as unfortunate and condemnable. He disclosed that 14 suspects had already been arrested and would be transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
“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 was quoted as saying.
He further revealed that a committee had been set up to provide support for the families of the victims.
In response, Senator Jibrin stressed the importance of ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice. He noted that swift legal action would serve as a warning to others who might consider engaging in such violent acts.
“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,” Jibrin stated.
The Deputy Senate President acknowledged that Edo State has long been a peaceful place where people from different backgrounds have coexisted without such incidents. He expressed confidence that under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence.
“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,” he said.
Jibrin also commended the governor for his ongoing efforts and noted that President Bola Tinubu was closely monitoring the situation. He encouraged Okpebholo to continue working with the Kano State government to ensure that justice is served and affected families receive necessary support.
