Public commentator and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has called on the Edo State Government to urgently prosecute those responsible for the killing of at least sixteen Northerners in Uromi, Edo State.
He warned that failure to do so swiftly could escalate tensions across the North, even if financial compensation is offered to victims’ families.
“The most effective way to calm the North after the Uromi killings is for the Edo State Government to speedily and publicly try those responsible,” Omokri stated in a post on his official X handle. “Failure to do that, even if financial compensation is paid to the victims’ families, will lead to a heightening of tension.”
Omokri stressed that the trial should begin without delay, noting that the case is straightforward given the existence of video evidence. He urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to take a cue from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who acted decisively in similar situations.
After Odua Nation agitators attempted to take over the Oyo State Government secretariat on April 12, 2024, Makinde ensured their immediate arrest using state forces.
“The next day, Governor Seyi Makinde destroyed their houses. On the third day, they were in court. Today, they are now special guests of the Oyo State Government at Agodi prison,” Omokri recalled.
Read also: Edo PDP blames Okpebholo for security collapse, Uromi Killing
He also referenced Makinde’s response to the December 18, 2024, Ibadan Stampede, where eight arrested individuals, including Olori Naomi Silekunola, were in court within 96 hours.
“As a Southerner who has lived in the North, I can tell you that words alone will not calm them down. It has been over 96 hours. Get these men before a judge as soon as possible, and the restive North will be calmed,” he warned.
Omokri concluded by emphasizing the need to learn from history to prevent retaliatory killings. “The best predictor of the future is the past. We must do everything legally possible to prevent retaliatory killings,” he stated.
