In a move to address the tragic killings in Uromi, Edo State, the Federal Government and the Edo State Government have jointly set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident and recommend lasting solutions.
Governor Monday Okpebholo disclosed this on Thursday during a visit by a delegation from Kano State, led by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, to the Government House in Benin City.
According to Governor Okpebholo, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply concerned about the Uromi killings and is determined to ensure justice is served.
“The president is not happy with what has happened and he wants us to see to the end of this dastardly act,” Okpebholo said.
He continued, “The President personally wants to see to the end of this issue. I want to also let you know that the President and Edo State Government have set up a committee to find out the remote cause(s) of the incident and put a lasting solution to the issue.”
The Governor appreciated the Kano delegation’s efforts in compiling a report on the victims of the attack, noting that the document would greatly assist the committee’s work.
“This report you have submitted will actually help us so that we do not have to worry you,” he said. “A lot will be done and made open to the public to know what the committee is doing on the issue.”
Reaffirming the peaceful nature of Edo people, Okpebholo said, “We are a peace-loving people in Edo State. We love those living with us in the State. Kano and Edo State have been collaborating in the area of commerce and industry.”
Deputy Governor Gwarzo, while presenting the report, expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for his earlier visit to Kano and for his commitment to justice.
“The Governor of Kano State set up a Committee to screen and verify, to establish the names, numbers, next of kin and those who survived the attack,” he said. “We have been able to carry out these activities and we have come out with a report which we are here to submit to Your Excellency.”
“You promised us that justice will be done and we believe you on this, Mr. Governor. We need a transparent process on this issue. Sixteen persons lost their dear lives from five local government areas of Kano State,” Gwarzo added.
The meeting was attended by Edo Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, heads of security agencies, and top officials from both states.
Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo and the visiting delegation, afterwards proceeded to Uromi, where they met with members of the Hausa community affected by the attack.
