The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has praised Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his prompt and decisive response to the tragic mob killing of travellers in Uromi.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, lauded the governor for demonstrating exceptional leadership in addressing the incident and ensuring justice, accountability, and the promotion of national unity.
The rights group commended Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to apprehending and prosecuting those responsible for the violent act. HURIWA contrasted his proactive approach with what it described as lacklustre responses from some Northern governors in similar incidents involving Christian victims.
“His actions reassure Edo citizens and send a strong message that lawlessness and violence will not be tolerated,” HURIWA stated.
The group outlined key actions taken by the governor, including:
– A personal visit to the families of victims in Kano.
– A pledge of compensation to the families of the deceased travellers.
– Suspension of the Edo State Vigilante leader implicated in the attack.
HURIWA drew comparisons between the governor’s swift intervention and previous mob killings, including the murder of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto and Pastor Eunice Elisha’s killing in Abuja. The group questioned why justice is often delayed or denied in cases of religious-based violence, especially in Northern Nigeria.
“The Edo State governor’s swift action stands in contrast to the inaction seen in previous cases of mob killings in Northern Nigeria,” the group stated.
HURIWA called on the Nigerian government, security agencies, and state governors to put an end to the culture of impunity by holding all perpetrators of mob violence accountable, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
“This is a wake-up call for Nigerians to collectively reject mob violence and embrace the rule of law,” Onwubiko added.
