Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has insisted that those responsible for the murder of 16 Hausa travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State must be brought to justice.
Senator Barau made this statement on Monday when Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, paid him a condolence visit at his Maitama residence in Abuja.
Reports indicate that a mob intercepted the innocent travellers, who were en route to Kano State for Sallah celebrations, ransacked their vehicle, and brutally murdered them. The victims were from Kano State, the home state of the Deputy Senate President.
Senator Barau commended Governor Okpebholo for his commitment to ensuring justice and for pledging support to the families of the victims.
“We cannot undo what has been done, but what Nigerians want is for these perpetrators to be arrested and brought to justice. You are doing well in that direction, and I am also glad that you have assured support for the victims’ families,” he said.
He further urged the governor to pursue the case to its logical conclusion, stressing that justice must be served to deter future occurrences.
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“This is a barbaric act, and if the perpetrators are punished accordingly, it will serve as a warning to others. People from other parts of the country have lived peacefully in Edo for centuries, and such an atrocity has never happened before. I trust that under your leadership, this will not happen again.
“I also appreciate your visit to the Kano State governor and your commitment to ensuring justice. Mr President has told us you are handling the situation well, and I can see that for myself from our discussions over the last 72 hours,” Barau added.
Governor Okpebholo, in his response, disclosed that 14 suspects had been arrested in connection with the killings and would be transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
He described the incident as tragic and unacceptable, assuring that those responsible would face the full wrath of the law.
“It is unfortunate that this happened in our state. We want to make it clear that we are not happy about it. The president is also taking this seriously. The Inspector General of Police has taken action, and the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department is handling the case.
“So far, 14 suspects have been arrested, and they are being brought to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a committee to take care of the families of the deceased,” the governor stated.
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