Tension has gripped Edo State as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully apprehended two principal suspects allegedly involved in the horrific killing of 16 northern Nigerian travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area last week.
According to an official statement released by Mr. Fred Itua,
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpehbolo, the arrests were executed following meticulously gathered intelligence in a coordinated operation within Uromi community.
The DSS operatives have made significant breakthrough with these arrests. The statement confirmed, adding that a multi-agency security taskforce is currently conducting intensive operations to track down additional suspects connected to this reprehensible act.
Our correspondent has reliably gathered that the two principal suspects have subsequently been transferred to the Federal Capital Territory “Abuja” for comprehensive interrogation and prosecution by federal authorities.
A highly-placed security source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, disclosed that an additional 14 suspects previously detained in connection with the killings have also been moved to Force Headquarters in compliance with explicit directives from the Inspector-General of Police.
The transfer of these individuals to Abuja aligns with standard protocol for cases of this magnitude and investigations continue in earnest, the source revealed.
The security situation has triggered significant social disruption with reports indicating that numerous residents from villages surrounding the crime scene have begun evacuating their homes fearing potential arrest during security sweeps. This exodus prompted concerned women from affected communities to stage a demonstration at the palace of the Ojuromi of Uromi on Monday, protesting what they described as “indiscriminate arrests” by security personnel.
The atmosphere remains extraordinarily tense, “explained Michael” a local resident who preferred not to disclose his full identity. Entire households are relocating temporarily as security forces intensify their operations to apprehend all culprits.
Meanwhile, compensation discussions for victims families have commenced between the Edo and Kano State governments. While declining to specify whether restitution would take monetary form. Mr. Itua confirmed that both state administrations are engaged in deliberations to determine appropriate compensation mechanisms for bereaved families.
This development comes as Governor Okpehbolo recently conducted a condolence visit to Kano State, meeting with families of the deceased and pledging support during their period of grief.
In a seemingly related development, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised allegations about potential destabilization plots. During a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, State APC Chairman “Mr. Jarret Tenebe” claimed that certain opposition elements are orchestrating schemes to render Edo State ungovernable.
Mr. Tenebe further alleged that these unnamed political actors seek to provoke circumstances that might compel President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo, apparently motivated by “lack of confidence in securing favorable judgment” at the Election Petition Tribunal scheduled to deliver its verdict today on challenges to the September 21, 2024 governorship election outcome.
Security agencies have intensified surveillance across potential flashpoints throughout the state as political tensions merge with the aftermath of last week’s tragic killings.
