Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has called for a transparent legal process, including the public parade of suspects arrested in connection with the recent killing of 16 people in Uromi, Edo State. He said such measures would assure Nigerians that justice was being served.
In a statement issued by Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, Yusuf commended President Bola Tinubu and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for their swift response to the killings. He also appreciated the federal and state government delegations that visited the affected families in Kano.
“The people of Kano, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve to see those responsible for this massacre being brought to justice publicly,” the statement read. Yusuf also lauded Governor Okpebholo for engaging with the Hausa community in Edo to prevent further tensions and for pledging compensation to the bereaved families, urging swift fulfillment of the promise.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) condemned the killings, describing them as a violation of fundamental human rights. NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, commended Governor Okpebholo for suspending the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps and banning illegal vigilante groups but stressed that more needed to be done to ensure justice and prevent future occurrences.
Meanwhile, residents of Otukpo in Benue State staged protests on Tuesday against rising cases of kidnappings and killings. Protesters blocked major roads, demanding urgent government intervention. A youth leader, speaking anonymously, lamented the worsening security situation, stating that residents could no longer sleep peacefully due to constant attacks.
Reports also indicated that villagers in Olena, Asa, had fled their homes following repeated attacks by suspected herdsmen over the past four days, resulting in multiple deaths and abductions.
Authorities have yet to make an official statement on the Otukpo and Olena incidents, but residents continue to call for immediate action to restore security in their communities.
