WEDNESDAY April 2, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
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, Akpabiosaid, “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.”
