The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, made a poignant visit to Kano State on Monday to offer his condolences to the Kano State government and the families of the 16 victims who were tragically killed in Uromi, Edo State, last week. This visit comes amid escalating outrage in northern Nigeria, where many believe the killings were a targeted attack against traders from the north.
The victims, who were mostly from Kano and other northern states, were ambushed and killed in Uromi, a town in the Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The incident has ignited protests across northern Nigeria, with citizens in Kano, Katsina, and parts of Kaduna demanding justice for the victims and better security for northerners living in the South.
The killings occurred when the victims, who were traveling through Uromi, were ambushed by assailants under what has been described as an organized attack. The 16 individuals, who were primarily traders from the northern part of Nigeria, were reportedly targeted by the assailants who have yet to be apprehended. The incident has left the families of the victims in mourning and sparked widespread anger in the northern states, where many perceive the attack as a symbol of the deepening ethnic and sectarian tensions between different regions of Nigeria.
The attack has amplified existing fears among northerners living in southern Nigeria, particularly in the wake of a growing number of violent incidents. This, in turn, has led to calls for heightened security measures and better protection for citizens traveling within Nigeria, particularly those from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
In Kano, youth groups and community leaders have expressed their outrage, accusing the Edo State government of failing to prevent such attacks and of not doing enough to bring the perpetrators to justice. They have called on both the Edo State government and federal authorities to take swift action in apprehending those responsible for the attack and ensuring that justice is served for the victims.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s visit to Kano State was seen as a gesture of solidarity and empathy in the wake of the Uromi massacre. The Governor arrived at the Kano State Government House on Monday, where he met with key officials and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. During the visit, he assured the Kano State government and the affected families that the Edo State government was working closely with security agencies to investigate the killings and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the tragic loss of life in Uromi was a deeply painful event, and he expressed his commitment to ensuring that such an atrocity would not go unpunished. “The loss of these lives is a tragedy, and I stand with the people of Kano and the families of the victims during this difficult time. The Edo State government is doing everything in its power to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice,” he said.
He also condemned the violence, stressing that attacks on any ethnic or religious group should never be tolerated in Nigeria. Governor Okpebholo expressed his desire for peace and unity, highlighting that the ethnic diversity of Nigeria should be seen as a strength, not a source of division.
“The senseless killing of these traders is not just an attack on the victims but on our collective humanity. We must all work together to ensure that violence of any kind is eradicated from our society,” he added.
The Uromi massacre has caused a ripple effect in northern Nigeria, with many citizens deeply disturbed by the killings. The attack has stirred ethnic tensions and heightened the sense of insecurity felt by many northerners living in southern Nigeria. In Kano, where many of the victims were from, protests erupted, with citizens demanding justice for the victims and calling for the Edo State government to take stronger action to prevent such incidents in the future.
Community leaders in Kano have also voiced their frustration, accusing the Edo State government of not doing enough to address the security concerns of northerners living in the South. They have called on both state and federal governments to take more decisive action to protect the lives of all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or religious background.
Youth groups in Kano have organized demonstrations, and some have even called for a boycott of businesses and other commercial activities in protest of the killings. In addition to the calls for justice, there have been renewed calls for stronger security measures and for the government to address the underlying issues of ethnic violence that continue to plague various parts of the country.
The Uromi massacre has not only exposed the vulnerabilities of ethnic communities living in different regions of Nigeria but has also highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms across the country. Many believe that these reforms are necessary to address the increasing incidences of ethnic violence and to ensure that all Nigerians can live and travel freely without fear of being targeted.
There have been calls for a stronger law enforcement presence in communities prone to ethnic and sectarian violence, as well as for better coordination between state and federal security agencies. Some have also suggested that community-based peace initiatives, such as inter-ethnic dialogue and cooperation, should be promoted as a way to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Governor Okpebholo’s visit to Kano was a reminder of the importance of collaboration between state governments in addressing the nation’s security challenges. By offering condolences and pledging to work together with the Kano government, he signaled the need for a united approach to tackling insecurity and ensuring that justice is served for the victims of such senseless violence.
As pressure mounts on both the Edo and federal governments to address the growing ethnic tensions and insecurity in the country, there is a renewed call for decisive action. Many Nigerians, particularly those from the northern states, are demanding accountability from the authorities and a clear plan to prevent further attacks.
The Edo State government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, has come under intense scrutiny, with many questioning its ability to ensure the safety of residents and travelers within the state. The federal government has also been urged to step up its efforts to ensure the protection of all citizens and to tackle the root causes of ethnic violence in the country.
The events in Uromi have sparked a wider conversation about the need for national unity and the protection of the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliation. The calls for justice for the victims are not only about seeking accountability for the tragedy but also about reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace, security, and the protection of its diverse population.
