Operatives of the Department of State Services have apprehended two principal suspects linked to the recent killing of 16 Nigerians of northern origin in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpehbolo, confirmed the arrests in a statement, noting that the DSS acted on credible intelligence.
He added that security forces are actively pursuing other key individuals connected to the tragic incident.
“The suspects were arrested by operatives of the DSS in Uromi, following credible intelligence. Operatives of various security agencies are hunting for other key suspects involved in the unfortunate incidents,” Itua stated.
In a recent development, the arrested suspects have been transferred to Abuja for further interrogation and prosecution.
A source informed The PUNCH that a total of 14 suspects detained in connection with the killings are now in the custody of the Force Headquarters as investigations continue.
“I can confirm to you that the suspects have been taken to Abuja as directed by the IGP and investigation into the matter is still ongoing,” the source disclosed.
Meanwhile, discussions regarding compensation for the victims’ families remain ongoing between the Edo and Kano State governments.
While Itua could not specify whether the compensation would be financial, he assured that efforts were being made to ensure the families receive appropriate support.
“As you are aware, Governor Okpehbolo met with the Kano State Government and visited the families of the 16 people that were killed, where he promised compensation,” Itua explained. “I cannot say what form the compensation will take, but both state governments are talking to ensure that the victims’ families are compensated.”
The aftermath of the killings has sparked tensions in Uromi, with some residents reportedly fleeing their homes to avoid arrest. A local resident, Michael, shared that many people are fearful of police actions in the area.
“What is happening now is that people are leaving their houses where the killing took place for fear of being arrested by the police, who have been mandated to fish out all the culprits,” he said.
In response to the wave of arrests, a group of women gathered at the Ojuromi of Uromi’s palace on Monday to protest what they described as indiscriminate detentions by security operatives.
Amid these developments, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has accused opposition parties of attempting to stir unrest in the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, state APC chairman Jarret Tenebe alleged that certain political factions were plotting to create chaos in a bid to pressure President Bola Tinubu into declaring 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 crisis and make Edo ungovernable,” Tenebe claimed.
He further alleged that these parties fear an unfavorable verdict from the Edo Election Petition Tribunal, which is set to deliver its judgment on Wednesday regarding the petition filed by PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
“Their sinister objective is clear: they want to force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo because they have no confidence in securing victory at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal,” Tenebe stated.
As security agencies continue their investigations, the situation in Uromi remains tense, with both authorities and residents closely monitoring further developments.
