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Tag: Edo State

  • Edo Gov vows to tackle criminal elements, ensure state’s security

    Edo Gov vows to tackle criminal elements, ensure state’s security

    Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has assured that criminal elements will not succeed in destabilizing the state under his leadership.

    Speaking at a security meeting in Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area, in the Edo North Senatorial District, Obaseki emphasised his commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.

    The meeting, which was held in a bid to address the growing security concerns in the region, saw the participation of prominent political, religious, and traditional leaders, heads of security agencies, and other key stakeholders. Together, they discussed solutions to the unique security challenges facing Edo north.

    Following the closed-door meeting, Governor Obaseki vowed to take strong action against criminal elements, ensuring that their activities would no longer be tolerated in the state. He pledged to make Edo a place where criminals would find no refuge.

    The representative of Edo North senatorial district, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who is a former governor of Edo state; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Chief Blessing Agbebaku; ex-deputy governors of Edo, Peter Obadan and Philip Shaibu; among other top politicians, were also at the crucial meeting.

    Okepbholo stated that the security stakeholders’ meeting became necessary to ensure peace and security were maintained across the state, particularly in Edo North. 

    He noted that political, religious, and traditional leaders attended the meeting, where they all discussed the security challenges facing the people and came up with possible solutions.

    Edo governor assured that residents of the state should expect a better security situation in Edo, with all the deliberations to be properly utilised.

    He said: “We came here for a peaceful discussion regarding security, and all our leaders are here, both traditional and religious. The closed-door meeting was successful, as we had a good deliberation, and discussions were fruitful. We had a perfect discussion. Let us watch it from here. Things will be perfect in our land.”

    Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), after the meeting, hailed Okpebholo for his approach to handling security issues in Edo.

    He appreciated Edo governor for the security meeting and assured residents of the state that the Okpebholo-led administration would make Edo safe for all to live and do business.

    The former Edo governor (Oshiomhole) said: “Senator Okpebholo has come to Edo North to discuss with the people what he has been doing, and what he will do in terms of security of lives and property in Edo state.

    “The meeting lasted for three hours, and it enabled Edo governor to listen to comments from stakeholders and all those present. The governor gave us the assurance that he will continue to ensure Edo is safe for us all.”

    Oshiomhole also stated that Okpebholo had provided vehicles and motor bikes for the police and other security agencies.

    He said: “Edo governor recognises that the local people have their own roles to play. We have discussed how the communities will work with security agencies and forward any information they have to the governor, through available channels.

    “Edo governor came to meet with us and to hear us out. This is the first time a governor is doing this. I do not think during my time as a governor, I came for security meetings like we have done today.

    “The people have expressed their confidence in the governor. They have reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to work together with the security agencies, so that Afenmai land will be safe.”

    Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Bishop Gabriel Dunia, appreciated all who came for the stakeholders’ meeting and urged them to collaborate to ensure peace in Edo State.

    Read Also: Edo gov assures of recruitment of more teachers for public schools

    Bishop Dunia said: “We are very much appreciative of our governor and all the traditional rulers who have come for us all to deliberate on the security of our people and our land. People have spoken their minds on the way forward, and we will work with it to ensure our land knows peace.”

    A traditional ruler from Edo North, Mallam Ali Suleiman, said the security meeting gave stakeholders confidence, while traditional rulers resolved to collaborate with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure peace in Edo.

    The monarch said: “Today, we are experiencing a landmark event in response to security issues agitating our minds. Edo governor came here by himself, not delegating anyone to handle the meeting.

    “We have been very worried about the development. The governor came here himself, and also the Minister for Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, and this has given us confidence and we the traditional rulers have resolved to work with security agencies and all stakeholders to ensure Edo State is safe for us all.”

  • Edo registers over 9,000 C-of-Os in three months

    Edo registers over 9,000 C-of-Os in three months

    The Edo State Government has registered over 9,000 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) between February and April 2025, marking a significant leap in land documentation within the state.

    This was disclosed by the Managing Director of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), Dr. Tony Ikpasaja, during a media interaction in Benin City.

    Ikpasaja attributed the milestone to the deployment of a new software system, despite operational setbacks caused by a system shutdown allegedly orchestrated by a consultant engaged by the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki.

    Read Also: Five visa-free countries for Nigerian passport holders

    Appointed by Governor Monday Okpebholo in January 2025, Ikpasaja noted that the current performance far surpasses the 1,000 C-of-Os processed under the previous administration between 2023 and February 2025.

    He also revealed that EdoGIS recently acquired advanced equipment to boost productivity and fast-track the processing of applications.

    According to him, the agency inherited over 7,500 unattended files from the previous administration, belonging to applicants seeking to register and formalize their land ownership. 

    He urged landowners across the state to take steps to legalize their properties.

  • The bloodletting resumes

    The bloodletting resumes

    Even before the anger and the remorse died down over the Uromi killings in Edo State, Plateau State erupted in an unrelated orgy of violence that claimed dozens of lives. Then came the unpalatable confirmation from Borno State officials that the Boko Haram wars had recrudesced, with three local government areas unreachable by the state government. On the other side of Nigeria, to the Northwest, bandits have continued to lay spectacular siege to scores of communities in the region, taxing, levying, abducting and maiming hapless indigenes. In all this, as far as the victims are concerned, the government has been caught flatfooted.

    Read Also: Tinubu charges heads of education agencies to protect integrity of sector

    Two hypotheses have been bandied around for the recrudescence. One, that the government has continued to deploy weak and ineffective security paradigm which prioritises defence and occasional attacks, instead of massive and unrelenting offensives until the enemies are vanquished. Two, that as the 2027 election cycle draws near, some enemies and political opponents are sworn to make the government look weak, incapable and unelectable. The truth may contain elements of the two hypotheses. However, the government was not elected to find excuses, no matter how genuine, but to deploy all state resources to extirpate the cancer. The current security paradigm is clearly not working. It should be replaced. Battle plans need to be drawn and executed relentlessly, without pause or hesitation until the objectives are realised.

    Insecurity has spread to all corners of the country, and the people are frustrated and angry. If the centres of provocation are not dealt with in all the regions, the people may brush the government aside and resort to self-help. The fact staring everybody in the face is that the country is on edge. A little push would set it on a point of no return. It is time the government got fed up, set timelines, and mobilise the country for a final push. The country is not contending with skirmishes or minor provocations; it is at war. Let the government, therefore, put the country on a war footing and mobilise thousands of young men willing to fight to end the bleeding. It is time to end the pussyfooting.

  • Edo moving forward under Okpebholo’s leadership — Commissioner

    Edo moving forward under Okpebholo’s leadership — Commissioner

    Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communications Paul Ohonbamu has said Governor Monday Okpebholo is steering the state toward greater heights through the execution of capital-intensive and people-focused projects.

    Speaking on Thursday in Benin City, Ohonbamu noted that the increasing defection of prominent politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a clear endorsement of the transformation agenda being implemented by Okpebholo’s administration.

    “As the 2027 general elections approach, Edo APC and its leader, Senator Monday Okpebholo, are gaining momentum with strong support from opposition members and well-meaning residents of the state,” he said.

    He added that it was crucial for Edo people to prioritise the political and socio-economic development of the state, especially in light of what he described as eight years of underdevelopment under previous leadership.

    Ohonbamu also called on political leaders to engage in door-to-door sensitisation campaigns across the three senatorial districts to sustain the benefits of the state’s growing relationship with the federal government.

    Read Also: Okpebholo opens campaign for Tinubu’s re-election

    He said: “The APC will dislodge other political parties in Nigeria, with Governor Okpebholo at the helm of affairs, as the 2027 general elections draw closer, for continuity sake

    “Let us give full support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, so as to bring more development and real dividends of democracy to Edo and other states of Nigeria. We have confidence in the capacity of President Tinubu to transform the country.

    “Let us continue to pray and support Governor Okpebholo’s government, which is determined to ensure greater Edo.”

    Ohonbamu also pointed out that with the unity currently reigning in Edo APC, the party was ready for victory in the 2027 general elections.

  • Jungle without justice

    SIR: On March 25, about 16 hunters travelling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Eid celebrations were fed to the flames in Uromi, Edo State on flimsy but fatal accusations of being kidnappers. It was not the first time. Three years earlier, precisely on May 12, 2022, the hallowed grounds of the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto State served up a stage for one of the most chilling crimes ever to rock Nigeria. In the glare of the midday sun, Deborah Samuel, a 22-year-old student was lynched on allegations of blasphemy.

    One of the greatest indicators that Nigeria is not yet ready for the understated civilization which underpins developed countries is found in the number of those who participate in dishing out mob justice, or enjoy the spectacle from afar.

    It is damningly bizarre that some Nigerians prefer to supply fuel, car tyres and match sticks to burn suspected criminals rather than ask pertinent questions, and hand them over to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

    It is even more telling that many Nigerians who happen to stumble on such scenes prefer to whip out their mobile phones and take pictures and videos while people burn. This indicts their humanity to no end. Nigerians, who often form these killer mobs, whether as killers or witnesses, are often criminals themselves.

    Cracks cover Nigeria’s criminal justice system. There is hardly ever justice for the many crimes committed against Nigerians. Nigerians fall victims of the worst crimes and their perpetrators slip through the yawning cracks of the system, re-strategise and reappear elsewhere to perpetrate more chilling crimes. A weak criminal justice system has ensured that Nigeria has continued to recycle criminals who refine the art of unleashing terror on Nigerians.

    Knowing this is Nigeria, knowing what has come to be known about Nigeria, it is safe to say that this will happen again. It is only a matter of time before helpless and hapless Nigerians run into the mob, for whom justice is murder with maximum agony.

    There will be yet more incidents of this outrageous crime against Nigeria. Because the system and those who supervise it are pathetically reactionary, more Nigerian citizens will be butchered and burned alive for doing nothing, before law enforcement personnel can make it to the scene.

    Read Also: Akpabio condemns Edo killings, calls for justice to assuage pains

    When it happens again, Nigerians will be caught in yet more rounds of hand-wringing and horror.

    It is good to see lightning fast actions being taking to serve justice in the case of the 16 hunters. Swift justice should be the template whenever there is a crime. It should be what is served no matter the victim or the volume of outcry. Those who do these things must be left in no doubt that their actions will provoke the gravest consequences.

    Again, the police and other security personnel must improve their capacity to pick up intel and nip these crimes in the bud even before they occur. They must retool their communication channels to ensure that they can receive information about these crimes as early as possible.

    They must also be able to mobilize to arrest such crimes at the shortest possible notice.

     If these crucial steps are taken, Nigeria may just move from being a jungle without justice to a jury where justice is undeniable.

    • Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com
  • Edo killing and spate of insecurity

    Edo killing and spate of insecurity

    • By Sunday Olagunju

    Sir: Failure of all governments in Nigeria to decisively take insecurity in its entire gamut, has contributed to the rise in mob actions and jungle justice.

    Sadly, the 16 hunters brutally murdered in a despicable manner recently in Uromi, Edo State, by people who stereo-typically mistook them as kidnappers, are victims of unresolved rapacious national insecurity.

    Kidnapping and other heinous acts, especially across state borders, have assumed dangerous proportions and their pervasiveness seems to have brought out the worst criminal tendencies among Nigerians of all nuances.

    Even if the hunters were in fact kidnappers, their killers having captured them could still have handed them to the security personnel instead of the outright jungle justice meted to them. They should have presumed then innocent until proved otherwise. It is important that travellers along state borders carry means of identification to show the authenticity of their personality.’

    Read Also: Supporters defy ban, rally for suspended Natasha Akpoti

    The Edo incident also brought to the fore the poor education of most of the vigilante groups who roam the major state borders across the country and the need to get most of them informed and better educated.

    With minimal education, the mob in Edo State should be able to differentiate kidnappers from genuine hunters; both carry guns, yet their disposition would have shown some good difference. The episode once again calls for a national declaration of state of emergency on insecurity, especially the notorious kidnapping which seems to have assumed a national crisis, holding the entire country at its jugular.

    Despite Nigerians’ desperate yearning for concrete actions against kidnapping and other heinous act, the idea of people taking laws into their hands through wanton killing without enough proof should be rightly discouraged. Concerted efforts should be made by all governments in the country to tackle headlong the escalating insecurity throughout the nooks and crannies of the country.

    Both Edo State and the federal government should thoroughly investigate the Uromi incident with a view to unearthing the circumstances leading to such inhuman and despicable action. The cause of such mistake should be unravelled and future occurrence prevented. Meanwhile, the incident should not be allowed to degenerate to North vs South confrontation as could be gleaned from the unsavoury comments over the incident by political do-gooders.

    •Sunday Olagunju,

    Ibadan, Oyo State.

  • We are hopeful of victory on Edo Gov dispute – APC Chairman

    We are hopeful of victory on Edo Gov dispute – APC Chairman

    Ahead of the judgment of the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal slated for Wednesday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed hope for a positive outing for its candidate in the election, Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    Edo APC Chairman, Chief Jarrett Tenebe, who spoke in Abuja on Tuesday, said his party believes the tribunal will uphold justice and the will of the people of the state, who decided that they preferred the APC and its candidate.

    “I am calling on all APC faithful in Edo State to remain calm. Our lawyers did a very good job and we believe in the Judiciary. We believe they will do justice. We are hopeful of victory,” Tenebe said.

    He commended Governor Okpebholo’s handling of the recent Uromi killings, claiming that some members of the leading opposition party in the state – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) –  were behind it.

    Tenebe said: “Their sinister objective is clear – they want to force President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo State because they have no confidence in securing victory at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal. 

    “In their desperation, they have resorted to acts of sabotage, hoping to manipulate public perception and judicial sentiment in their favour.”

    As part of their plan, they have enlisted disbanded members of the Edo State Security Network to orchestrate acts of violence, as seen in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area. 

    “Their aim was to falsely implicate the Edo State Government in these disruptions, creating a narrative that fosters chaos and sympathy for their failed cause. 

    “They are also exploiting the composition of the tribunal, where two of the three judges are from the North, hoping to sway their ruling through deceit and unrest.

    “Their recent criticism of Governor Monday Okpebholo for traveling to Kano State to condole with victims’ families further exposes their involvement in the Uromi mayhem. 

    “Their hypocrisy and desperation know no bounds, but we will not be deceived,” Tenebe said.

    The Edo APC Chairman urged security agencies to go after some identified members of the opposition and ensure they are promptly apprehended.

    He added:  “I urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to liaise with embassies in countries where these PDP members reside and request their extradition for prosecution. 

    Read Also: Edo gov dispute: Tribunal gives judgment Wednesday

    “Terrorism and violent attacks against the peace of our nation cannot and will not be tolerated.

    “As a political party, we are going to formally write to foreign missions, embassies, and other international bodies to extradite these fellows who keep inciting the public to commit acts of terrorism. 

    “They must be repatriated to Nigeria in order to face terrorism charges.

    “Let me make it categorically clear – no amount of blackmail, intimidation, or desperate orchestration will stop Governor Monday Okpebholo from emerging victorious at the tribunal on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. 

    “The people of Edo have spoken, and their mandate will not be stolen through underhanded tactics.

    “These antics will not weaken us; rather, they will only make Edo stronger. We will continue to stand firm in defense of democracy, justice, and the rule of law,” Tenebe said.

  • 14 suspects of Uromi killings for investigation, says Edo Governor, meets Barau

    14 suspects of Uromi killings for investigation, says Edo Governor, meets Barau

    Edo Governor  Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, over the alleged killings of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

    The Governor was at the Maitama residence of Barau in Abuja on Monday.

    A mob allegedly had intercepted the innocent travellers on their way to Kano State for Sallah celebrations, ransacked their vehicle and gruesomely murdered them on Thursday.

     The victims who were hunters are from Kano State.

    The Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir,  said the Governor extended condolences to Barau, who is from Kano State,  pledging that the State Government will assist the families of the victims.

    The Edo Governor disclosed that the 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killings of the innocent travellers are to be taken to Abuja for further interrogation. 

    While assuring that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law, he described the killings of the innocent travellers as unfortunate and condemnable.

    “It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy.

    “The ptresident is doing something drastic about this. He’s not happy also. The IG has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects.

    “So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased,” he said.

    Responding, Barau said the perpetrators of the act must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want – all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction.  

    “I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected.

    “I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the facts.

    “If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. 

    “I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere and this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again. 

    “I thank you very much. You’ve told me now that you’ll meet the Kano State governor today. This is very good.  Please continue what you are doing. Mr. President also told us that you are doing very well in this direction, and we have seen it because, as I said, we have spoken several times on this matter in the last 72 hours,” he said.

  • More condemnation trails killing of 16 hunters in Edo

    More condemnation trails killing of 16 hunters in Edo

    • NEF demands apology, compensation for families of victims

    More condemnation yesterday trailed last Thursday killing of 16 travelling hunters by vigilance group members in Uromi, Edo State. 

    Various northern groups, state governments, lawmakers, among others, in separate statements frowned at the incident which they described as barbaric and cowardly.

    The victims were reportedly returning home from Rivers State  to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir with their families when they were attacked.

    The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), yesterday, described  the killings as “barbaric, extra-judicial, and cowardly,” calling for urgent action to address the situation.

     The spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in a statement said: “The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end. 

    “The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people. Consequently, the NEF hereby demands the following immediate actions from the authorities in Edo State and the Federal Government. 

    “The swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths. The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers”.

    Read Also: First Lady urges empathy, unity at Eid-el-Fitr

    The forum also demanded a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.

     He add; “The due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths. An unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behavior never occurs again.

     “An unreserved apology from the Edo State Government to the North for this heinous attack on its people. The punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any such future acts of violence.

    “The NEF demands that the Edo State Government and the Federal Government take concrete and visible steps to fulfill these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this release. Failure to do so will compel the North to take all necessary actions to seek justice for her people and the North.

    “The Federal Government must ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families to preserve peace, stability, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.”

    The NEF urged Northern communities to remain calm and patient while it pursues the matter through the appropriate government agencies.

     Also condemning the killings, the apex Islamic body in Northern Nigeria, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), asked the Federal Government to immediately arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.

    The JNI in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, urged the Federal Government to rise up to its primary responsibility of protecting and securing citizens “irrespective of their ethnicity or religion to go beyond the tired clichés of condemnation and appeals for calm on security failures. Nigerians are desperately yearning for concrete actions against all forms of brigands and criminalities.”

    The statement reads: “To put the record straight, JNI condemns killings of innocent souls wherever they happen and whoever is involved. JNI also condemns the generalization of criminals as representatives of the whole, thus leading to unjust stereotyping and hate campaign. We condemn all criminals, whoever they are and wherever they come from. A criminal should be treated as a criminal regardless of his/her ethnicity and or religious affiliation.”

    It, however, appealed that, “the Muslim community, as well as the people of Kano State should in the name of Allah, the Most High, not engage in any reprisal attack. We are in the month of Ramadan and after it would be a festive period. Therefore, security men should be vigil and intelligence gathering should be enhanced and intensified against any form of reprisal attack. We should remain calm and pray for the deceased. The Kano State Government, as well as security agencies should also be on the alert.

    “Manhunt and subsequent arrest of all the perpetrators of the Edo Carnage should be diligently launched by the relevant security agencies. The Edo State Government should also follow up the prosecution to logical conclusion, culprits be served death sentences, so as to serve as deterrence.

    “We also expect the federal as well as Edo State Governments, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Muslim Lawyers Association (MULAN), and well-meaning civil societies and organisations to seek for redress of the victims through the courts of law, because justice delayed is justice denied.

    “Finally, while we continue to express our sincere condolences to all the victims of the brutal murder in Edo state, we are calling on the Nigerian Governors, relevant security agencies and non-governmental organisations to synergize with a view to finding a lasting solution to these repeated and senseless killings in Nigeria,” JNI said.”

    Incident should be met with unwavering response- Kano govt

     Kano State Government, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Waiya, in Kano yesterday described the incident  as a heinous act that should be met with an unwavering response from security and judicial institutions.

     The statement said that all “individuals found complicit in the atrocity should be brought to justice, including law enforcement personnel who may have neglected their duty.”

    PDP condemns killings

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State chapter, yesterday strongly condemned the gruesome murder of the hunters. It also described as barbaric, the burning of the truck the hunters were travelling in by the mob. 

     The main opposition party in Edo, through the Chairman of its Caretaker Committee, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, expressed displeasure over the activities of the newly-reorganised state vigilance operatives of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    It said: “Having suffered repeated killings, abductions, and rape of their women, children, and men in the past few months, the residents of Edo State have become paranoid, due to the lack of intervention by Okpebholo and the security apparatus, and out of frustration, have now resorted to extra-judicial killings.

     “It is necessary to state that citizens often mirror the character of the government with authority over them. Having sensed that Okpebholo’s government does not follow the established rule of law, or obey court judgments, the tendency is there for the civil population to mirror such behaviour.

    “With sixteen innocent travellers burnt alive in just one day and many other killings, numbering over one hundred in the past few months, Edo PDP calls on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo State, as the mayhem currently ongoing in Edo far exceeds the skirmishes that happened in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency there.”

     The PDP also sympathised with the families of the victims of the unfortunate killings at Uromi, and prayed that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.

    Northern Senators Forum decry attack 

    The Northern Senators Forum in a statement by its chairman, Abdulaziz Yar’adua in Abuja, called on the Edo State Government to take immediate action to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of the gruesome act.

     The Forum also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the police and other security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, with a view to arresting the culprits.

     The statement reads in part: “The Northern Senators Forum is deeply disturbed and saddened by the gruesome mob killings of innocent Nigerians in Uromi, Edo State on Thursday 27th March, 2025.

     “These individuals, who were traveling to the Northern part of Nigeria, were tragically stereotyped as Fulani kidnappers and brutally murdered in a despicable manner.

     “We strongly condemn this heinous act, which is a clear violation of the fundamental human rights of the victims. We urge the Edo State Government to take immediate action to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of this gruesome murder.

     “We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the police and other security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, with a view to arresting the culprits.

     “This swift action demonstrates the government’s commitment to upholding justice and protecting the rights of all citizens.

     “As stated in Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, every citizen has the right to freedom of movement and residence throughout the country. No citizen can be expelled from or refused entry into Nigeria.

     “We must uphold these fundamental principles and ensure that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.

     “We call on the Edo State Government, the security agencies, and all stakeholders to work together to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

    “We must promote a culture of tolerance, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.

    Also in a statement, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP – Kano South) expressed outrage over the incident.

     He said the “barbaric and uncivilized act is a clear violation of the fundamental right to life and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

    He vowed to ensure that the perpetrators are made to account for their actions.

    Speaking in the same vein, the Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Lawal Adamu Usman asked the Federal Government, the Edo State Government and security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this heinous crime and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay.

    Senator Usman, in a statement he personally signed, vehemently condemned the wanton murder of the travellers, describing the killing of the innocent Northerners in Edo State as barbaric and senseless.

    He noted that the horrific act was not only an affront to humanity “but also a deliberate assault on the unity and peace of our great nation, Nigeria.”

    It’s devastating- Sen Natasha

     Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP- Kogi Central) described the March 27 incident as a “devastating act” that warrants swift condemnation and action.

    “The brutal killing of 16 hunters in Edo state is not only inhumane but a grave violation of justice and the rule of law. Security agencies should swiftly investigate this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Natasha said in a statement by his media aide, Israel Arogbonlo, in Abuja.

    She emphasised that it’s unacceptable for local vigilantes to take the law into their own hands, misinterpreting the hunters’ Dane guns as a threat instead of contacting the authorities.

    Senator Natasha urged the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide assurance that such atrocities will not happen again.

     While acknowledging the arrest of five suspects as a step in the right direction, Senator Natasha stressed that more needs to be done to address the root causes of this violence and prevent further reprisals.

    To prevent similar incidents, Senator Natasha recommended that the authorities focus on enhancing law enforcement, improving intelligence sharing among security agencies, and promoting public awareness about the dangers of mob violence.

    Global Peace Foundation demands justice

     The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) in a statement by the Country Director, Dr. Joseph John Hayab, said  “This disturbing incident highlights the urgent need to reinforce societal values, uphold the rule of law, and foster peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.”

    He emphasized that every Nigerian deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background.

    “The failure to decisively tackle insecurity has contributed to the rise in mob actions and jungle justice, which threaten the nation’s social cohesion and legal order,” Dr. Hayab noted.

    He called on the government to urgently address the lingering insecurity and collaborate with civil society organizations and community leaders to restore public confidence in the justice system.

  • Indigenes cry out over killings in Edo

    Indigenes cry out over killings in Edo

    The indigenes of Gbolomotin in Ovia Southwest Local Government  of Edo State yesterday raised the alarm over being victims of migrant Yoruba cocoa farmers.

    They absolved themselves from the recent killings of five persons in the area, caused by clash between them and the farmers.

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    Gbolomotin indigenes, in a statement by their spokesman, Karaem Ebimobobowei, alleged that they had always been victims of the migrant Yoruba cocoa farmers, who many years ago encroached on their land to plant cocoa.

    They claimed that over time, the cocoa farmers formed the habit of attacking Gbolomotin youths through a vigilance group they set up.

    The Gbolomotin indigenes alleged that the Yoruba farmers suddenly began to expand beyond the original areas they were allowed to plant, thereby encroaching on the free uncultivated land reserved for Ijaw communities.