By The Publisher
The recent killing of seven travelers in Uromi, Edo State, has sparked national outrage, with key political and religious leaders condemning the incident and calling for justice.
Contrary to initial reports that 16 people lost their lives, it has been confirmed that seven individuals were killed, while 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime. The victims, mostly from Kano State, were traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations when they were confronted by local security personnel. A violent altercation ensued after one of the travelers allegedly stabbed a vigilante member, triggering a mob attack that resulted in their deaths.
Speaking on the incident, Senate President Godswill Akpabio denounced the killings as “senseless” and called for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. “This heinous crime is unacceptable and has no place in our society. I urge security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable,” Akpabio stated.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, visited the families of the victims in Kano, offering compensation and assuring them that the government would prosecute those involved. Similarly, Deputy Senate President Jibril Barau stressed the importance of deterring future acts of mob violence by enforcing strict legal measures against the culprits.
Religious leaders, including the Chief Missioner of Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), Imam Maroofdeen AbdulAzeez Onike, also condemned the killings, emphasizing the need for justice and national unity.
The House of Representatives’ minority caucus has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and prevent future occurrences of such lawlessness.
With widespread calls for accountability, security agencies are under pressure to ensure that those responsible for the Uromi killings face the full weight of the law, reinforcing the need to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens from mob violence.
