Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested two more suspects over last Thursday’s killing of 16 travellers in Esan Northeast Local Government Area of Edo State.
Security sources said they were arrested in Uromi and transferred to Abuja for interrogation.
Kano State Government and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday commended the Federal and the Edo State governments for their response to the killings.
The travelling party of 16 was accosted by vigilantes, who, after discovering arms and ammunition in their vehicles, suspected that they were on a nefarious mission and neutralised them.
Governor Monday Okpebholo visited Abuja and Kano on Monday to douse tension and prevent a reprisal while condoling with the victims, who hail from the Northern state.
Yesterday, Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Okpebholo for their prompt intervention, including dispatching delegations to Kano in a show of solidarity and concern.
In a statement by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Yusuf reiterated the state’s demand for justice.
“Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done.
“The people of Kano, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve to see those responsible for this massacre brought to justice publicly,” he said.
Yusuf also lauded Okpebholo’s engagement with the Hausa community in Edo to prevent the escalation of tensions.
He acknowledged the state’s promise to compensate the bereaved families, saying it should not be delayed.
“The compensation which the delegation promised is a commendable step, but it must be executed without delay to support the grieving families who have lost their breadwinners,” he noted.
The Kano governor expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his decisive action in directing security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.
This, it said, underscores his commitment to the security and protection of all Nigerians, irrespective of their state of origin.
The NHRC also commended Okpebholo on his handling of the killings.
Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu (SAN), said his agency strongly condemns killings.
He said the incident highlights the dangers of mob justice and called for the urgent need for effective law enforcement and respect for human rights.
“We, at the NHRC, demand that all the perpetrators be fished out and brought to justice.
“We call on the government to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
“There is no justification for jungle justice anywhere in the world,” he said.
Ojukwu stressed that every individual has the right to life as enshrined in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution, Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
He also noted that the freedom of movement is guaranteed by the statutes.
Ojukwu added: “We commend Governor Okpebholo for his swift and decisive action in suspending the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), and banning all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state, but more need to be done.
“We urge the Edo State Government to continue its investigation into the killings and ensure that all perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.
“On our part, we will continue to monitor the process of investigation to ensure that justice is served. This will serve as a deterrent to others.
“Promotion and protection of human rights is paramount to national development.
“Let’s all imbibe the culture of respect for human rights and fundamental freedom to make Nigeria a better place.”
Also yesterday, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives called for adequate compensation for the victims.
It urged the President to order a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.
In a statement by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, Minority Whip Ali Isa and Dep Minority Leader Aliyu Sani Madaki, the caucus said the killings were reprehensible and justice must be done.
The statement reads in part: “We find such brutal killings of innocent Nigerians in any part of the country by lawless mobs very reprehensible, and if allowed to fester without being put in check by responsible organs of government, such actions could threaten the peace and unity of the country.
“We implore all Nigerians to never resort to such jungle attacks on their fellow citizens but to always implore the services of lawful authorities whenever they notice any issue of concern.”
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