By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barrister Musa Ikhilor, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his proactive leadership in addressing the tragic killings in Uromi.
Speaking on TVC’s breakfast show on Tuesday, Ikhilor revealed that the governor traveled two and a half hours by road to the village where most of the victims hailed from.
He said that during his visit, Governor Okpebholo met with the bereaved families, consoled them, and assured them that justice would be served. He also promised compensation for the victims. Ikhilor emphasized that this approach has significantly de-escalated tensions and has been well-received by the public.
Ikhilor stated, “In Kano, the governor didn’t just visit the government house; he traveled to the very village where the victims came from. He met with the bereaved families, consoled them, and assured them that justice would be served. He also promised compensation for the innocent lives lost. This proactive approach has significantly de-escalated tensions, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Highlighting the security situation in Edo State, Ikhilor explained that illegal vigilante groups operating under the previous administration had been a major challenge. The Uromi attackers, he noted, were linked to a group previously suspended by the government.
According to him, “Recently, we discovered that the vigilantes involved in the Uromi incident were from the same group that operated under the last administration—one we had already suspended and begun profiling and retraining. Our goal was to subject them to proper training under the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.”
Governor Okpebholo’s visit to Kano, where he met with ethnic community leaders, was instrumental in preventing a potential crisis. Ikhilor described the visit as a significant move to calm tensions and foster peaceful coexistence.
“While in Kano, we met not only with the government and the people of Bokore but also with leaders of various ethnic minority groups, including the Igbo and Yoruba communities. They expressed their gratitude, noting that the governor’s visit was not just a condolence gesture but also a move that helped protect their people in Kano, as well as the millions of Edo indigenes residing there.”
He also debunked misinformation circulating on social media, accusing political opponents of recycling old protest videos to create unrest.
“There is a lot of misinformation circulating. Some individuals are playing politics with security issues. A video of women protesting in Uromi against kidnappings and rape has resurfaced and is now being spread by the opposition to suggest it is a recent occurrence. However, a simple Google search shows that this video was recorded in 2021 under the Obaseki administration,” he stated.
The SSG reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to combating insecurity, noting that under Governor Okpebholo, Edo State has enacted stricter laws against cultism and kidnapping.
“Governor Okpebholo has purchased over 75 brand-new Hilux vehicles for security agencies, which have been distributed accordingly. He has also procured power motorcycles to enable security operatives to chase bandits out of the forests. We are making tremendous progress,” Ikhilor said.
He assured the public that investigations into the Uromi killings are ongoing, with decisive action expected soon.
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