Operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) have apprehended two principal suspects involved in the tragic killing of 16 Nigerians of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government, last week. The arrests were made following credible intelligence gathered by the DSS in Uromi.
According to a statement from Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpehbolo, the DSS operatives were able to track down the suspects in the area. Itua also confirmed that other key suspects involved in the killings are being pursued by various security agencies.
“The two principal suspects arrested by DSS operatives have been transferred to Abuja for further interrogation and prosecution,” Itua stated. Additionally, 14 other individuals arrested in connection with the killings have been moved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for continued investigation, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
While the nature of compensation for the victims' families remains unclear, Itua noted that the governments of Edo and Kano are collaborating to determine an appropriate form of compensation. He mentioned that Governor Okpehbolo, alongside Kano State officials, visited the families of the victims and pledged support.
In the wake of the killings, residents of the affected area in Uromi have expressed fear of arrest, prompting some to flee their homes. Local sources reported that women in the area protested against the indiscriminate arrests by security agencies, voicing concerns over the growing tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised alarms over alleged plans by opposition parties to stir unrest in the state. APC chairman Jarret Tenebe accused opposition leaders of plotting to destabilize the state and force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo. This follows the impending judgment by the Edo Election Petition Tribunal on a petition filed by PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo against the results of the September 2024 governorship election.
As investigations into the killings continue, authorities are working to restore calm and ensure justice for the victims.
