Governor Monday Okpebholo has condemned the recent mob violence in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, where travelers were attacked and killed on suspicion of being kidnappers.
Represented by his Chief Security Officer, SP Solomon Osaghale, the governor described the act as barbaric and unacceptable, vowing that those involved would be prosecuted.
A statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, revealed that local security operatives had stopped a commercial truck for inspection, during which firearms were discovered.
This sparked fears among residents, leading to an attack on the passengers.
Governor Okpebholo stressed that extrajudicial killings cannot be tolerated, highlighting the disturbing nature of the incident.
“His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, upon receiving news of this unfortunate event, directed me to visit the area for an assessment,” Osaghale said.
“He has also ordered a comprehensive investigation, and as of now, four suspects have been taken into custody.”
The governor urged residents to remain peaceful, assuring the Hausa community in Uromi that security measures were in place to prevent further unrest.
Hausa community leader, Aliyu Haruna, commended the Edo State Government for its prompt action, noting that such an attack had never happened in Uromi before.
“We have coexisted peacefully in this community for over 70 years, and this is the first time we are experiencing such violence,” Haruna said.