The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has extended his condolences to Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, following the tragic killing of 19 hunters in Uromi, located in the Esan North East Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by some members of his team, visited Jibrin at his residence in the Maitama District of Abuja.
The special adviser to Jibrin on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir, confirmed the visit in a statement, noting that the governor expressed his sympathies to the Deputy Senate President, who hails from Kano State, over the unfortunate incident.
The hunters were reportedly on their way from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid celebration when they were stopped by local vigilantes in Uromi. Suspicion arose when local authorities discovered firearms and knives on the hunters, leading to a mob attack in which the 19 men were killed. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, particularly within the Arewa community, who are demanding justice for the victims.
During the visit, Governor Okpebholo assured that the Edo State government would provide assistance to the families of the slain hunters. He also revealed that 14 individuals had been arrested by a team led by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and they would be brought to Abuja for further interrogation. “We have also set up a committee to ensure that we take care of the families of the deceased,” Okpebholo added.
In response, Deputy Senate President Jibrin emphasized the need for justice, stating that those responsible for the killings must face the full force of the law. “If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in the future,” Jibrin said. He further praised the longstanding peaceful coexistence between the people of Kano and Edo, expressing confidence that such an incident would not recur under the governor’s leadership. “I thank you very much. You’ve told me now that you’ll meet the Kano State governor today. This is very good,” Jibrin concluded.
