Gov Okpebholo Orders Instant Investigation Into Killing Of 7 Persons In Uromi
Tracy Ohovwore, Benin city
Following the killing of 7 persons described as barbaric and condemnable, the Governor represented by the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, pledged to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and made to face the full wrath of the law stressing that such evil act will not be tolerated in the state.
SP Osaghale stated that he was in Uromi on the Governor’s instruction to assess the level of damage and ensure that a prompt investigation is carried out to ensure justice and prevent a recurrence.
According to him, investigations revealed that the people who were killed had boarded a commercial truck and were stopped by members of local security who, upon searching the vehicle, discovered some guns. This situation led to a mob attack by persons in the vicinity.
While condemning the act, he reaffirmed that nobody has the right to take another man’s life, stressing that the nature of the barbaric killing was a cause of concern to the Governor.
“His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo on getting the news of this incident, directed me to immediately come here and find out what transpired as the news of what happened here is a sign of worry to our Governor whose desire is to create a prosperous State void of dastardly acts like this.
“I can assure you that the people involved in this unprovoked attack will not go scot-free, as His Excellency has directed the Commissioner of Police to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter. As I speak now, over four persons have been arrested for their involvement in this ugly incidence,” he said.
The CSO called for calmness and peace, assuring the law-abiding residents of Uromi, especially the Hausa Community in the area, to go about their daily activities, as men of the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies have been deployed to restore peace and normalcy to the area.
Appreciating the Governor for his swift response, the leader of the Hausa Community in Uromi, Mallam Aliyu Haruna, thanked Governor Okpebholo for deploying the CSO and other security personnel to the community.
Mallam Haruna acknowledged that their presence has restored peace and instigated a reassurance to the Hausa Community in the area, as there was palpable fear and unease in their camp following the unfortunate incidence which he noted has never happened before in the local government
“We want to sincerely thank the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo for his swift response to the occurrence of this ugly incidence. I must tell you that this is the first time a thing like this is happening in Uromi and it baffles me because, Uromi people have been so accommodating to us in the Hausa Community.
“Over the years, we have lived peacefully among the indigenes. Our sojourn in this land has spanned over seventy years. I was given birth to here, and so are many other people you are seeing here today.” Haruna stated
