Uromi Mob: Gov Okpebholo Pledges Compensation, Vows No Hiding Place For Killers Of 16 Travellers

• Visits Gov Yusuf, victims’ families, Deputy Senate President 

BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS – Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has assured that justice will prevail for the 16 northern travellers killed in Uromi with perpetrators of the evil act brought to book speedily.

He also promised that compensation would be paid to families of the victims as part of his administration’s moves to assuage frayed nerves and cater for those who have unfortunately lost loved ones and the breadwinners of their respective homes.

Governor Okpebholo made the pledge when he visited Kano to commiserate with the government and people of the State over the unfortunate incident.

The governor, while noting that 14 suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident, said: “It is like I was the one that was touched by the incident that happened in Uromi. I got the information in the night, and at about 4 am, I was already set to travel to Uromi.

‘’I’m here to commiserate with the government and good people of Kano State. We have made tremendous progress, I can assure you that Mr. President wasn’t happy at all. ‘’He didn’t waste time, he made no mistake to direct the service chiefs to go after the killers. I can assure you that justice will prevail.

“We have so far arrested about 14 people in connection with the killings. The Inspector-General of Police has directed the DIG, AIG at the force headquarters to take over the investigation. After the holiday, these people will be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation and more arrests to be made.’’

In his response, his Kano State counterpart, Governor Abba Yusuf strongly opposed reprisals, saying it is not the solution to the unfortunate incident.

However, insisting that the perpetrators must be prosecuted for justice to prevail, Governor Yusuf said; “Reprisal is not the solution because it affects innocent people. So, as leaders, we have to come together to fight this unfortunate behaviour. People shouldn’t be taking laws into their hands. It is unconstitutional and should be avoided.

“We (leaders) must be seen as protectors of our people. We assure you of maximum cooperation to collaborate with the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

“We will want to see them (perpetrators) physically paraded. That will go a long way to make the families happy.

“We appeal to the security agencies to help parade them to make the world see that these are the people that perpetrated the crime. They should be taken to court, so they can reap from what they sowed. The families must be compensated and I believe you will fulfill the promise.

“We appeal to the people to exercise patience, as everything’s being done to ensure justice for the victims,” Governor Yusuf said.

Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo has also visited families of the victims in Torankarawa, Bunkure Local Government area of Kano State.

Accompanied by Governor Abba Yusuf on a visit to families of victims, Governor Okpebholo’s convoy was confronted by aggrieved Kano youths and women carrying placards as they trooped out en masse in the community, demanding speedy justice for the victims.

The aggrieved youths and women, wielded placards with such inscriptions as: “Hunters are not criminals”, “Hunting is business not crime”, “Justice for our traveling hunters”, and “We need speedy dispensation of Justice”, among others.

At Torankawa village, home of the bereaved families, Governor Okpebholo promised that compensation would be paid and also pledged that justice would be served for the victims.

On his part, Governor Yusuf pledged that cash (unspecified amounts) and food stuff (unspecified numbers) would be donated to the families.

He promised that the Kano State government will not relent in ensuring justice for the victims.

Okpebholo Meets Deputy Senate President In Abuja
In his peace-seeking and sympathy visits, Governor Okpebholo also called on the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, in Abuja, disclosing that the 14 suspects so far arrested will be moved to Abuja for further interrogation.

Speaking at the Deputy Senate President’s Maitama residence, Governor Okpebholo said the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law, even as he described the killings of the innocent travellers as “unfortunate and condemnable.

A statement by the Special Adviser to Deputy Senate President on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, said Okpebholo, who extended his condolences to Senator Barau, Kano North Senatorial district, pledged that the Edo State government would assist the victims’ families

The statement quoted Governor Okpebholo as saying: “It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to let you and other people know that we are not happy.

“The President is doing something drastic about this. He’s not happy also. The IGP 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.”

Responding, the Deputy Senate President said perpetrators of the act must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others, adding; “We cannot undo what has been done but all we want — all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to is to make sure 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 fact.

“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. 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.”