Operatives of the Department of State Security have arrested two principal suspects involved in the killing of 16 Nigerians of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government last week.
As stated by Governor Monday Okpehbolo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the suspects were apprehended by agents of the Department for State Security (DSS) in Uromi, based on reliable information.
He pointed out that agents from different security organizations were searching for additional crucial suspects linked to the regrettable events.
He stated, “Agents from the Department of State Security have detained two main suspects implicated in the murder of 16 individuals of northern Nigerian origin in Uromi within the Esan North East Local Government area earlier this week.”
The individuals under suspicion were apprehended by agents from the DSS in Uromi, based on reliable information. Various security agency personnel are currently searching for additional key figures implicated in these regrettable events.
The most recent update indicates that both primary suspects detained by the DSS officers have been moved to Abuja, which serves as the country’s capital, for additional questioning and potential legal proceedings under the oversight of the pertinent agencies, according to information obtained by The PUNC.
A source informed PUNCH that the 14 individuals apprehended for their alleged involvement in the murders have been moved to the Force headquarters as investigations into the case remain ongoing.
He pointed out that moving the suspects to Abuja was done according to the instructions issued by the Inspector-General of Police.
I can assure you that the suspects have been transported to Abuja as instructed by the IGP, and investigations regarding the case are continuing.
Itua also mentioned that he couldn’t verify whether the compensation pledged to the victim’s family would be monetary.
However, he stated that both the Edo and Kano state administrations are collaborating to develop an appropriate compensation plan for the families of the victims.
As you know, Governor Okpehbolo had meetings with the Kano State Government and visited the families of the 16 individuals who were killed; during these visits, he pledged to provide compensation.
I can’t specify the exact nature of the compensation, but both state governments are discussing measures to guarantee that the families of the victims receive appropriate restitution.
A person from Uromi, identifying himself only as Michael, stated that people living in the region where these murders occurred were abandoning their villages out of fear they might be detained.
He mentioned that women crowded the Ojuromi at the Uromi palace to demonstrate against the random arrests occurring in Uromi after the killing of 16 travelers.
He stated, “Currently, individuals are vacating the premises where the killings occurred due to concerns about potential arrest by law enforcement officers tasked with apprehending all those responsible.”
I think the demonstration held by the women on Monday is related to the random arrests of locals carried out by law enforcement agencies.
In the meantime, the Edo State branch of the All Progressives Congress has alleged that several key opposing political parties are plotting to create a crisis within the state with the aim of making it unmanageable.
Jarret Tenebe, who is the chairman of the APC in the state, mentioned this at a press briefing held on Tuesday in Abuja.
“We have learned that the leaders of several prominent opposing political parties within our state, together with two additional groups, have concocted an irresponsible and perilous scheme aimed at provoking unrest and making Edo unmanageable,” he stated.
Tenebe claimed that the intention of those involved in the conspiracy was to compel President Bola Tinubu to impose an emergency situation in the state.
Their malevolent aim is evident: they wish to compel President Bola Tinubu into declaring an emergency situation in Edo, as they lack faith in attaining success before the Edo Election Petition Tribunal.
The Nigerian news agency has reported that the tribunal plans to announce its decision on Wednesday regarding the petition submitted by the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the results of the gubernatorial elections held on September 21, 2024, within the state.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).