Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the lynching and burning of seven suspected kidnappers by residents of a community in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.
Describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable, the governor, represented by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Government House, Solomon Osaghale, vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
He emphasised that such actions are foreign to Edo State’s values and will not be tolerated.
Osaghale, who visited Uromi on the governor’s directive, assessed the situation and assured residents that a prompt and thorough investigation would be conducted to ensure justice and prevent a recurrence.
Preliminary findings, according to Osaghale, revealed that the victims had boarded a commercial truck that was stopped by members of the local security outfit.
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A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered firearms, leading to a mob attack by those present.
While condemning the killings, Osaghale reaffirmed that no individual has the right to take another’s life, stressing that the nature of the attack was deeply concerning to the governor.
“His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, upon receiving the news of this incident, directed me to immediately visit and ascertain the facts.
“This incident is a source of great concern to the governor, whose vision is to create a peaceful and prosperous Edo State free from such unlawful acts,” Osaghale stated.
He further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police has been directed to launch a full-scale investigation, with over four arrests already made in connection with the attack.
He reassured law-abiding residents, including the Hausa community in Uromi, of their safety, noting that security forces have been deployed to restore peace and normalcy.
The leader of the Hausa community in Uromi, Mallam Aliyu Haruna, expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for his swift intervention.
He acknowledged that the governor’s response, including the deployment of security personnel, has helped calm tensions.
“We sincerely thank the governor for his quick response to this unfortunate incident. This is the first time such an event has occurred in Uromi, and it is shocking.
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“The people of Uromi have always been accommodating to us in the Hausa community,” Haruna said.
He further noted that the Hausa community has lived peacefully in Uromi for over seventy years, with many, including himself, born and raised there.
The state government reassures all residents that law enforcement will act swiftly to bring justice to those responsible, ensuring peace and stability in the state.
