The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has paid a condolence visit to the Kano State government and the families of 16 hunters who were brutally killed in Uromi, Edo State, last week.
The visit followed growing outrage in northern Nigeria over the dastardly act by a vigilante group in Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo arrived at the Government House in Kano on Monday, where he met with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other top government officials. Speaking during the visit, Okpebholo expressed deep shock over the killings and assured the Kano State government that his administration was collaborating with security agencies to ensure justice for the victims.
“The perpetrators of this heinous act will not go unpunished. So far, 14 suspects have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing to ensure justice is served,” Okpebholo said.
The victims, mostly from Kano State, were reportedly intercepted and burned to death by members of a vigilante group in Uromi, Esan North-East local government area of the State.
During the visit, Governor Yusuf called on the Edo State government to ensure that all suspects were prosecuted. He also urged the Federal Government to disclose the identities of those arrested over the killings and demanded that the Edo State Government compensate the families of the deceased.
“This is a serious tragedy that must not be overlooked. We expect prompt prosecution of the suspects and adequate compensation to the families affected by this act of brutality,” Governor Yusuf stated.
Governor Okpebholo, while acknowledging the concerns raised, emphasised that violence against any ethnic or religious group would not be tolerated under his administration. He assured the public that ongoing investigations would be thorough and transparent.
