Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has emphasised the need for a transparent legal process, including a public parade of the suspects arrested in the recent killing of some 16 people in Uromi, Edo State.
Yusuf said that would assure Nigerians that justice was being served.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, for their swift response to the killing of the alleged 16 travellers.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also condemned the gruesome killing of the 16 “travelling travellers”.
Relatedly, residents of Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State, on Tuesday, took to the streets to protest against growing cases of kidnapping and killings in the area.
A statement by Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said Yusuf thanked the visiting delegations for their commitment to securing justice for the families of the deceased and the injured.
The statement said, “The Kano State Government, on behalf of the good people of the state, especially the grieving families of the Uromi attack, who hailed from Torankawa, extends profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu.
“Also to Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the visit of the federal government delegation and that of the governor of Edo State in a show of solidarity and concern over the tragic killings of 16 Kano indigenes in Uromi, Edo State.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who expressed deep sorrow over the heinous act, reiterated his call for justice and thanked the visiting delegations for their commitment to support efforts at securing justice for the families of the deceased and the injured.
“Governor Yusuf emphasised the need for a transparent legal process, including the public parade of the arrested suspects, to assure Nigerians that justice is not only being done but is being served.”
“The people of Kano, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve to see those responsible for this massacre being brought to justice publicly,” the statement added.
Yusuf commended Okpebholo for his engagement with the Hausa community in Edo State to prevent further escalation of tensions and for his commitment to compensating the bereaved families.
“The compensation, which the delegation promised, is a commendable step, but it must be executed without delay to support the grieving families, who have lost their breadwinners,” he stated.
Yusuf also highlighted Tinubu’s prompt directive to security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the said atrocity.
The swift intervention by the federal government, he said, underscored its commitment to the security and protection of all Nigerians, regardless of their state of origin.
The statement added, “The governors of Kano and that of Edo, have both committed towards ensuring a thorough and transparent justice process to ensure that such an unfortunate incident never occurs again in any part of the country.
“The Kano state government remains steadfast in its demand for justice and would continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the families of the victims receive the compensation and the treatment they deserve.”
Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, expressed deep concern over the horrific incident, which highlighted the dangers of mob justice and the urgent need for effective law enforcement and respect for human rights.
Ojukwu said, “We commend Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for his swift and decisive action in suspending the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), and banning all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state, but more need to be done.”
Ojukwu said the commission wished to use the opportunity to remind the government and the people of Nigeria that every individual had the right to life, as enshrined in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
He said the commission emphasised that the freedom of movement, as guaranteed by the constitution and Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, had been grossly violated in the Uromi incident.
Ojukwu stated, “We at the commission demand that all the perpetrators be fished out and brought to justice. We call on the government to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future, there is no justification for jungle justice anywhere in the world.”
He emphasised that every Nigerian had the right to life, dignity, and freedom from violence, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or occupation, assuring that the commission will continue to advocate the protection of human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Otukpo Residents Cry Out over Killings
Residents of Otukpo in Benue State took to the streets on Tuesday to protest against the increasing cases of kidnapping and killings in the area.
The angry protesters blocked major roads, disrupting movement into the town from other parts of the state.
Although the demonstration was peaceful, the protesters insisted on urgent government intervention and called on security agencies to restore safety to their communities.
A youth leader among the protesters, who desired anonymity, lamented the worsening security situation, and accused the authorities of failing in their duty to protect life and property.
He stated, “Otukpo is no longer safe. We cannot sleep with our two eyes closed. Our communities are under constant attack by armed men, yet no arrests are made. People are fleeing their homes out of fear.
“Just yesterday, a man known as Akatu Onche (Okakpo ka Achumedo) was shot, and he died this morning. How long will this continue?”
Residents of Olena in Asa also, reportedly, fled their homes following a series of attacks by suspected herdsmen.
It was gathered that the community had been under siege for the past four days, with several people killed and many others abducted.
A resident confirmed that villagers were forced to flee on Monday night when it became clear that help was not coming.
He lamented that the attackers had been terrorising the community unchallenged for days.
Michael Olugbode, Emmanuel Addeh and George Okoh
Follow us on:
