The Department of State Services has arrested two principal suspects linked to the recent killing of 16 people of northern origin in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, confirmed the arrests in a statement, stating that the DSS acted on credible intelligence.
He also noted that security forces are actively pursuing other individuals suspected to be involved in the attack.
“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 said.
Following their arrest, the suspects have been transferred to Abuja for further interrogation and prosecution. A source confirmed that a total of 14 suspects 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 are ongoing between the Edo and Kano State governments. While Itua did not specify the nature of the compensation, he assured that steps are being taken to provide 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,” he 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 heightened tensions in Uromi, with reports that some residents have fled their homes for fear of arrest. A local resident, Michael, noted that security forces are actively searching for those linked to the crime.
“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 palace of the Ojuromi of Uromi on Monday to protest what they described as indiscriminate detentions by security operatives.
Amid the growing tensions, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has accused opposition parties of attempting to incite unrest. At a press conference in Abuja, Edo APC chairman, Jarret Tenebe, alleged that some political factions were plotting to destabilize the state in a bid to pressure President Bola Tinubu into declaring a state of emergency.
“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 said.
He further claimed that these parties are acting out of fear of an unfavorable judgment from the Edo Election Petition Tribunal, which is set to rule on Wednesday on a 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.
