Olusegun Ariyo
The Kano State Government has expressed great relief and satisfaction over actions taken and actualized by the Edo State Government regarding the culprits who participated in the killings of 16 hunters. This is even as 14 suspects have so far been arrested.
Speaking on the outcome of a high-level Kano State Government delegation’s visit to Edo, the State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, said, “We took almost two hours to travel to Uromi from Benin, and we were received by a huge crowd waiting for us there.”
The Deputy Governor said what they met on the ground in Uromi in terms of harmonious living between Hausas and the ethnic nationalities was very encouraging.
He said that political, religious and traditional leaders all rejected and condemned the obnoxious act.
“This very tragic incident. The traditional leadership was so outspoken and vocal and condemned in strong terms the perpetrators of this very dastardly act. The religious leadership also condemned these heinous incidents.”
“So we are convinced that the entirety of the leadership in Edo State and Uromi Kingdom are totally against what happened. They rejected it in its totality and condemned it in strong terms. And they have taken steps to calm the nerves of the people of Edo.”
“The government has assured and reassured the nation that Uromi and Edo State will continue to welcome people from all parts of the country, especially people from the North and Kano State in particular, and that they have nothing against anybody. They have nothing against our people who have been living in peace with them, and they will continue to live in peace with them. Nigeria shall continue to be one.”
The Deputy Governor noted that with the actions of the Edo State communities and government, it clearly shows that all Nigerians are free to live wherever they choose, earn their livelihood, and conduct their businesses and day-to-day lives in the most legitimate manner.
“Their utterances and the reception we received both in Benin and Uromi confirmed to us how much they feel about what has happened, and their determination to ensure that nothing like that happens anywhere again.”
He said 14 people have already been arrested, and several others have been declared wanted by the police and DSS.
“The Governor, Pastor Monday Okpebholo, has disbanded the vigilante group. The key figures who played major roles have been arrested, and more arrests are expected, as some of them are on the run. So, the police and the SSS are still looking for them.”
“He also called for the transfer of his Commissioner of Police because of the incidents that happened. He has assured us that there will be compensation for those who lost their lives and those who lost their belongings. You know, they were coming back from Port Harcourt. They had their items in various categories in the vehicle, and the whole of it was burnt.”
