The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President over the killing of 19 hunters in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Okpebholo visited the Deputy Senate President alongside some of his team members at his residence in the Maitama District of Abuja.
The special adviser to Jibrin on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir in a statement said the governor condoled with the Deputy Senate President who is from Kano State over the tragic incident.
Recall that some hunters who were travelling from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid celebration were intercepted by some local vigilantes in Uromi.
They were later killed in a mob attack over suspicion of being kidnappers after some local guns and daggers were found on them.
Their killing has since continued to generate outrage among members of the Arewa community who are calling for justice for the hunters.
However, speaking during the visit, Okpebholo said the Edo State government would assist the families of the deceased hunters.
The governor also said that 14 people have since been arrested by a team led by the DIG of the CID.
“So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased,” Okpebho said.
In his response, Jibrin said the killers of the hunters must be made to face justice.
Jibrin said, “If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere.
“And this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again.
“I thank you very much. You’ve told me now that you’ll meet the Kano State governor today. This is very good,” the Deputy Senate President added.
