In response to the recent killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, the federal government, alongside the Edo and Kano State governments, has inaugurated a fact-finding committee to investigate the tragic incident and bring justice to the victims.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, made the announcement during the visit of a Kano State government delegation led by Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo. The delegation, which included top officials from both states, met at the Edo State Government House in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s personal interest in the matter, stating, “The President is not happy with what has happened and he wants us to see to the end of this dastardly act.
This incident has opened our eyes and we are ready to address a lot of issues about the country and how to make life better for us all.”
He revealed that the President and Edo State Government jointly formed a committee to uncover the remote causes of the attack and devise long-term solutions to prevent such tragedies.
The Kano Deputy Governor disclosed that their state had already set up its own committee to verify victims’ identities, next of kin, and survivors. “We have been able to carry out these activities and we have come out with a report which we are here to submit to Your Excellency,” Gwarzo said.
He added that the attack claimed the lives of 16 individuals from five local government areas of Kano State. “You promised us that justice will be done and we believe you on this, Mr. Governor. We need a transparent process on this issue,” he stressed.
The meeting was attended by the Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; and heads of security agencies.
The delegation also visited Uromi, where they met with members of the Hausa community to assure them of ongoing efforts to ensure peace and justice.
Governor Okpebholo reiterated Edo State’s commitment to peaceful coexistence: “We are a peace-loving people in Edo State.
Kano and Edo State have been collaborating in the area of commerce and industry. A lot will be done and made open to the public to know what the committee is doing on the issue.”