Uromi killings: Edo govt denies IPOB’s claim of N6bn compensation to victims’ families

Edo State Government has condemned the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for accusing Governor Monday Okpebholo, of compensating the families of the recently slain 16 Kano-bound hunters, killed in Uromi, Edo with N6 billion.

Recall that the IPOB in its recent press statement accused Governor Okpebholo of dishing out N6 billion to the Uromi victims’ families, apparently to prevent reprisal attack.

Reacting to the accusation on Thursday through a press statement, the Edo State Government described the allegations as fictitious, malicious, and deliberately misleading.

Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, clarified through the statement that no such compensation was approved or paid to any group by the state government.

He said: “No compensation of N6 billion was approved or paid to any group as claimed. The figures and narrative being peddled are fictitious, malicious, and deliberately misleading”.

Itua maintained that the state government is committed to upholding justice, rule of law and prioritise the safety of all citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious background.

“A group that murders maims, and imposes illegal sit-at-home orders in the South-East cannot pretend to care about justice or human rights.

“We urge the security agencies to investigate and bring to book the authors of this inciting publication.

“No group, however loud, should be allowed to threaten public peace or attempt to instigate ethnic warfare in a state known for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

“We stand with the people. We stand for the truth. And we reject terrorism in every form,” the statement declared.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing peace, development, and inclusive governance for every resident of Edo.