Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has strongly denounced the brutal attack and killing of travellers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area after they were accused of being kidnappers.
In a statement issued on Friday, the governor, through the Chief Security Officer of Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, described the act as inhumane and unacceptable. He assured that those behind the attack would be held accountable.
According to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, preliminary findings indicate that the victims were passengers on a commercial truck that was intercepted by local security operatives.
A search of the vehicle uncovered firearms, triggering suspicion and leading to a violent mob response.
Governor Okpebholo cautioned that no one has the authority to take another person’s life, emphasizing the horrifying nature of the killings.
“Upon hearing about the incident, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, instructed me to visit the location and gather firsthand details,” Osaghale stated.
“The governor has also ordered the Commissioner of Police to conduct a thorough investigation. At this moment, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack.”
He called for calm and reassured the Hausa community in Uromi of their safety, noting that security forces had been deployed to maintain peace.
Reacting to the incident, the Hausa community leader in Uromi, Aliyu Haruna, expressed gratitude to the state government for its swift response.
He described the attack as unprecedented, emphasizing that their community had lived peacefully in Uromi for over seven decades.
