Edo State remains on edge following the arrest of two principal suspects in connection with the gruesome killing of 16 Nigerians of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area. The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) after credible intelligence led them to their location.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpehbolo, Fred Itua, various security agencies are still hunting for other key suspects involved in the tragic incident.
“In the latest development, the two principal suspects arrested by officials of the DSS have been transferred to Abuja, the nation’s capital, for further interrogation and prosecution by the relevant authorities,” Itua stated.
Sources confirmed that 14 additional suspects arrested in connection with the killings have also been transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). Investigations into the matter remain ongoing.
Government’s Response and Compensation Plans
Governor Okpehbolo has assured the families of the victims that they will be compensated, although details of the form of compensation have yet to be finalized. Discussions between the Edo and Kano state governments are ongoing to determine an appropriate redress for the affected families.
“As you are aware, Governor Okpehbolo met with the Kano State Government and visited the families of the 16 people that were killed, where he promised compensation,” Itua said. “I cannot say what form the compensation will take, but both state governments are working to ensure that the victims’ families are properly compensated.”
Community Tensions and Protests
The arrest of suspects has triggered unrest among Uromi residents, with many reportedly fleeing their homes for fear of being implicated. A resident, identified only as Michael, confirmed that some residents have begun deserting their villages, concerned about indiscriminate arrests.
Additionally, women in the community staged a protest at the palace of the Ojuromi of Uromi, voicing their concerns over what they described as the arbitrary arrests of innocent residents by security forces in the aftermath of the killings.
“What is happening now is that people are leaving their houses where the killing took place for fear of being arrested by the police, who have been mandated to fish out all the culprits,” Michael explained. “I believe the protest by the women on Monday is in connection with the indiscriminate arrest of residents by security agencies.”
Political Accusations Amid Crisis
Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused major opposition parties of attempting to exploit the crisis for political gains. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, state APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe alleged that some opposition leaders were plotting to create instability in Edo State.
“It has come to our attention that the leadership of some major opposition parties in our state, along with two others, has devised a reckless and dangerous plot to instigate crisis and make Edo ungovernable,” Tenebe claimed.
He further alleged that the objective behind the purported plan was to push President Bola Tinubu into declaring a state of emergency in Edo, as opposition parties feared an unfavorable outcome at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal.
“Their sinister objective is clear: they want to force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo because they have no confidence in securing victory at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal,” Tenebe stated.
The tribunal is set to deliver its judgment on Wednesday regarding the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the results of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.
As security operatives continue their hunt for more suspects, tensions remain high in Edo, with residents anxiously awaiting further developments.
