Uromi Killings: Gov. Okpebholo Meets Sen. Barau, Says 14 Suspects to Be Taken to Abuja for Further Interrogation
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu | March 31, 2025
In response to the brutal killings of innocent travellers in Uromi, Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo paid a condolence visit to Senator Barau I. Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate, in Abuja. The visit took place on Monday at the Maitama residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, who is from Kano State, the home of the victims.
On Thursday, a mob intercepted a group of hunters from Kano State who were traveling to Kano for the Sallah celebrations. The assailants ransacked their vehicle and killed the travellers in a gruesome act of violence. The victims, who were hunters, were en route to join their families for the religious festivities when the tragic incident occurred in the Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
During the visit, the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, confirmed that Governor Okpebholo expressed his condolences on behalf of the Edo State government and pledged assistance to the families of the victims. He condemned the killings, describing the act as a deplorable and senseless crime that has left the state and the nation in mourning.
Governor Okpebholo further shared that the investigation into the murders was progressing rapidly. Fourteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings, and they are set to be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation. The governor assured that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law. He also highlighted that the federal government was taking decisive action to ensure justice is served, mentioning that the President, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (DIG CID) were closely involved in the matter.
“We are not happy about this unfortunate incident,” said Okpebholo. “The president is also deeply concerned and has ordered drastic action. The IGP has taken charge, and the DIG CID is leading the investigation. So far, 14 suspects have been arrested, and they will be brought to Abuja for interrogation. We have also formed a committee to support the families of the deceased.”
Senator Barau I. Jibrin, in his response, expressed his grave concern over the barbaric act, urging the governor and law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. He stressed that such killings must not go unpunished as they represent a serious threat to the safety and security of Nigerians.
“We cannot undo what has been done, but we must ensure that those responsible are arrested and brought to justice. This act is barbaric, and if the culprits are brought to justice, it will serve as a strong deterrent to others,” said Senator Barau. “Edo State has been a place where people from different parts of the country have lived together peacefully for generations. This violent act is an anomaly, and I trust that under your leadership, this will not happen again.”
The Deputy President of the Senate also praised the governor’s efforts and reassured him that both the Senate and the federal government were committed to supporting the pursuit of justice. “I’m glad to hear that you are meeting with the Kano State governor to further discuss how we can assist the families of the victims,” Barau continued. “Please continue your efforts, as Mr. President has also expressed his support in addressing this issue.”
Governor Okpebholo’s visit and the subsequent discussions underscored the unity between the two leaders in the face of such a tragic event, signaling a strong commitment to ensuring that the victims’ families receive justice and support.
As the investigation unfolds, both local and federal authorities remain determined to bring those responsible for the killings to justice and restore peace to the region.
