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The recent mob killing in Uromi, Edo State, has continued to spark widespread outrage across Nigeria, with many prominent leaders seeking justice for the victims.
Although initial reports indicated that 16 travellers were killed, THISDAY can authoritatively confirm that the actual number of deceased individuals stands at seven, while 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The victims, mostly of Northern extraction, were said to have been travelling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, when they were intercepted by local security personnel, who discovered locally made weapons in their vehicle.
While this led to suspicion of criminal activity, new information from Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (Rtd.), who appeared on Arise News yesterday, revealed that the victims had rebuffed attempts to search them and struck one of the vigilante first, which triggered the attack.
“The vigilante had information that they were carrying arms. In the process of trying to search them, one of the travelers stabbed one of the vigilante guys, and hell was let loose- ultimately triggering the violent mob attack that claimed their lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday described the killings as a senseless act of violence, saying it is unacceptable and have no place in the Nigerian society.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who visited families of those killed in Kano, promised to pay compensation, and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Deputy Senate President, Jibril Barau, reiterated the need to bring the perpetrators to book to serve as a deterrent to others, who might be keen to administer jungle justice.
Chief Missioner of Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), Imam Maroofdeen AbdulAzeez Onike, also condemned the brutal killing of the travellers.
The minority caucus in the House of Representatives called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the security agencies to investigate the killings and bring all those involved to book in order to prevent a recurrence.
A mob had on Thursday intercepted some travellers, numbering 16, who were on their way to Kano State for the Sallah celebrations, ransacked their vehicle, and gruesomely murdered them. The victims were from Kano State.
In a statement yesterday by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said, “I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the gruesome murder of 16 travellers in Edo State. This senseless act of violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society.
“I condemn in very strong terms this heinous crime and I urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators of this barbaric act are brought to book and held accountable for their actions.”
Akpabio added, “As a people, we must work together to promote peace, unity, and understanding among our people. We cannot afford to let such act of violence divide us or undermine our collective efforts to build a better Nigeria.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, the government and people of Edo State, and all those affected by this needless act, and pray that God grants the departed peaceful rest, and the loved ones they left behind, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Okpebholo Visits Families, Promises Compensation
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, paid a condolence visit to the families of the 16 travelers skilled in the state.
Some of the victims hailed from Bankure Local Government Area of Kano State.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, in Benin City, the governor assured the bereaved families and the people of Kano State that justice would be served.
Speaking during the visit, Okpebholo described the attack as unfortunate and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators were brought to justice.
He told the victims’ families, “I was deeply touched when I received the news of the incident at night. By 4am, I left Abuja and rushed to Uromi to meet with the affected families.
“During my campaign, your people supported me, and I stand with you in this time of grief. I extend my condolences to the people of Kano State and pray for the eternal rest of the victims’ souls.
“We have made significant progress in our investigations. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not happy about this incident and has directed security agencies to go after the culprits. I can assure you that justice will prevail.”
The governor revealed, “So far, about 14 suspects have been arrested, and after the holiday, they will be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation. More arrests will follow as investigations continue.”
The governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, commended Okpebholo for his swift intervention and support to the bereaved families.
Yusuf said in response to Okpebholo’s speech, “We appreciate the governor of Edo State for his prompt response to this tragic event. It is well known that our people were returning from Port Harcourt when they were brutally murdered.
“The majority of the victims were from two local governments in Kano State. Governor Okpebholo immediately visited the scene, ensured that the corpses were retrieved, and arranged for their proper burial.
“He also made commitments to support the affected families, and I can confirm that he has fulfilled those promises. We trust his assurance that the culprits will be brought to book, as justice remains our utmost priority. The people of Kano are peaceful and hospitable.
“This tragedy serves as a lesson to all, and I urge all leaders across Nigeria to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens, regardless of their location. Governor Okpebholo’s visit today is a mark of true leadership, and we appreciate his gesture.”
Speaking on behalf of the Arewa community in Edo State, Badamasi Sally reaffirmed the longstanding cordial relationship between the northern community and Edo people, emphasising that the unfortunate event should not be used to tarnish the state’s image.
Sally said, “I was born and raised in Edo State, and we have always maintained a peaceful relationship with the people here. This incident should not be used to create division or smear the reputation of the Edo State government.
“The swift response of the state government was commendable. Moreover, it was the people of Uromi who rescued some of the victims from the assailants. This tragedy will not change our bond with the people of Edo.”
Leader of the Edo community in Kano, Fred Akhigbe, also expressed appreciation for Okpebholo’s visit, urging both communities to maintain peace and unity.
Akhigbe stated, “We are grateful to the governor of Edo State for personally coming to Kano to express his condolences. When this tragic incident happened, there was apprehension, but we are reassured by the swift actions taken by both state governments. We sympathise with the people of Kano State and pray for the victims.”
Okpebholo also visited Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, at his Maitama residence in Abuja over the killings.
Special Adviser to Barau on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, in a statement, said the governor extended his condolences to Barau, who is from Kano State. The statement added that the governor pledged that the state government would assist the families of the victims.
He assured that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law and described the killing of the innocent travellers as unfortunate and condemnable.
Okpebholo said, “It is 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.
“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.”
Barau said the perpetrators must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.
He stated, “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.
“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.
“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.”
NASFAT Decries Silence Amid Injustice
Chief Missioner of Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), Imam Maroofdeen AbdulAzeez Onike, condemned the killings and decried what he termed silence in the face of injustice.
The tragic incident also prompted condemnation from the entire NASFAT.
In a press statement, the chief missioner emphasised that silence in the face of injustice was tantamount to complicity. He urged Nigerians to speak out against violence and discrimination.
Onike lamented the lack of vocal condemnation from both public commentators and religious leaders, especially those from other faiths.
“Had the victims been from different religious backgrounds, the media would have been flooded with reactions. This silence only deepens the injustice, as it allows such tragic events to be swept under the rug,” he said.
He also referenced a verse from the Quran (Q5:32), reminding the society that killing an innocent soul is akin to killing all of mankind.
NASFAT’s President, Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulWahid AbdulRauf, emphasised the importance of being each other’s keeper, regardless of religion or tribe.
AbdulRauf called for unity and compassion in the face of such tragic events, reminding the people of Nigeria that it is a collective responsibility to support each other through difficult times. NASFAT demanded that the security agencies intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
House Minority Caucus Urges Tinubu to Direct Investigation
The minority caucus in the House of Representatives called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the security agencies to investigate the killings.
The caucus, in a joint statement, co-signed by its leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, and Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa, condemned the violent attack on the travellers, which culminated in their gruesome deaths.
The statement said, “It is with extreme shock and grief that we received the news of the barbaric murder of about 16 Nigerians, mainly northerners, by a gang of lawless anarchists in Edo State in the last couple of days.”
The caucus urged Nigerians never to resort to such jungle attacks on their fellow citizens but to always employ the services of lawful authorities whenever they noticed anything of concern.
“We are a nation under the rule of laws, and our law enforcement agencies are always available to partner every Nigerian to assuage their concerns,” they stated.
The caucus said in the face of the grave incident, “We hereby call on the president to direct the security agencies to investigate this matter and bring all those involved in the killings to book in order to prevent its recurrence.”
The caucus said “adequate compensation should be paid to the affected families”.
It also called on all Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding and allow the federal and state governments to get to the root of the matter in the interest of justice.
