•Okpebholo visits Kano, vows justice for victims
From Desmond Mgboh, Kano, Tony Osauzo, Benin, Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Moves to calm the tension stirred by the killings of 16 Kano-bound travellers in Uromi, Edo State, have continued with Governor Monday Okpebholo visiting his Kano State counterpart, Governor Abba Yusuf at the Government House Kano and Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
On March 27, a mob in the Uromi allegedly attacked and killed 16 persons said to be hunters of northern descent who were travelling from Elele, Rivers State for Sallah celebration.
Speaking in Kano, Governor Okpebholo described the attack as disturbing, emphasising that Nigeria valued the sanctity of human life.
He expressed grief over the unfortunate tragedy while condoling the people of the state for the incident and regretted that it was ironical that an Hausa man would be killed in his state given the huge support he enjoyed from the Hausa community during his campaign.
He recalled that when he arrived at the scene of the crime, the situation was tense but added that as soon as the Hausa community saw him, they relaxed their anger given their existing cordial relationship.
He recalled that President Tinubu had been worried over the incident and had directed the Inspector General of Police and the relevant security agencies to ensure that the case be discreetly investigated and the suspects charged to court.
“So far, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings. As Kano remains dear to my heart, we will continue to uphold the value of being our brother’s keeper.” The suspects have reportedly been transferred to Abuja for further interrogation.
To help douse the feelings of grief and bereavement, Kano State government urged his Edo counterpart to parade the suspects for Nigerians to see their faces and charge them to court for their alleged crimes at the end of investigation.
In addition, he also asked the Edo government to pay compensations to the immediate families of the victims, insisting that these steps would go a long way in granting justice to the deceased.
Yusuf observed that reprisal was not the solution. He urged Nigerians to live in peace and to love one another while appealing to the people of the state to remain calm and be law abiding as Kano State is one of the most peaceful states in Northern Nigeria.
He noted that the Governor of Edo State had been up and doing since the break of the tragedy, appreciating him for promptly attending to the situation as well as for speedily travelling down to the state to condole his people.
He also lauded President Bola Tinubu for his prompt reaction, disclosing that his clear directive to the security chief to work in collaboration with the Edo State government to fish out the victims was a welcomed development.
Speaking in Abuja during a condolence visit to Jibrin, Okpebholo condemned the attack and assured Nigerians that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Okpebholo also announced that his government had set up a committee to support the families of those killed.
“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,” Ismail Mudashir, media aide to Barau, quoted Okpebholo as saying.
“The president is doing something drastic about this. He’s not happy either. 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.”
Responding, Barau said the perpetrators of the act must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.
“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,” Barau said.
“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.”
He urged the Edo government to ensure all those involved were held accountable, adding that such attacks must never happen again.
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