The Department of State Security (DSS) has apprehended two prime suspects linked to the recent brutal killing of 16 northern travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The arrests, which followed credible intelligence, have heightened tensions in the region as security forces intensify efforts to track down other culprits involved in the gruesome incident.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, confirmed that DSS operatives had acted on verified intelligence to effect the arrests in Uromi. He also disclosed that other security agencies were working tirelessly to ensure that all those responsible for the killings were brought to justice.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the DSS in Uromi following credible intelligence. Security forces are still on the trail of other key suspects involved in this unfortunate incident, Itua stated.
Further developments indicate that the two arrested suspects have been transferred to Abuja for further interrogation and prosecution by the appropriate authorities. According to a reliable security source, an additional 14 suspects linked to the killings have also been moved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.
I can confirm to you that the suspects have been taken to Abuja as directed by the IGP, and investigations are still ongoing, the source added.
Compensation and Political Implications
Governor Okpebholo had earlier assured the families of the victims that the Edo and Kano State Governments were working together to determine appropriate compensation. However, it remains unclear whether the compensation will be monetary or take another form.
As you are aware, Governor Okpebholo met with the Kano State Government and visited the families of the 16 people who were killed, where he promised compensation. Both state governments are in discussions to ensure the victims’ families are adequately compensated, Itua said.
Meanwhile, fear and anxiety continue to grip residents of Uromi, particularly in areas where the attacks took place. Reports suggest that many residents are fleeing their homes to avoid being caught up in the wave of arrests by security operatives. A local resident, identified as Michael, confirmed that women had staged a protest at the palace of the Ojuromi of Uromi over what they described as indiscriminate arrests in the aftermath of the killings.
What is happening now is that people are leaving their homes for fear of being arrested by security operatives who have been tasked with identifying the perpetrators. I believe the protest by the women on Monday was in response to the widespread arrests being carried out in Uromi, Michael explained.
APC Alleges Opposition Conspiracy
Adding a political dimension to the crisis, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that some opposition political parties are attempting to exploit the situation to create unrest in the state.
During a press conference in Abuja, Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, claimed that opposition elements were plotting to instigate a crisis to make the state ungovernable, with the ultimate aim of pressuring President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo.
It has come to our attention that the leadership of some major opposition parties in our state, along with two others, has devised a reckless and dangerous plot to instigate a crisis and make Edo ungovernable, Tenebe stated.
He alleged that their objective was to disrupt the political landscape ahead of the Edo Election Petition Tribunal’s judgment scheduled for Wednesday, where the tribunal is set to rule on the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
The situation in Edo remains tense as both security operations and political undercurrents continue to shape the unfolding developments. Security agencies have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy and ensure justice for the victims of the tragic incident.
