FG, Edo set up fact-finding panel over killings of hunters

Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, says the federal government and his administration have constituted a fact-finding committee to investigate the recent killings of hunters in the Uromi area of the state.

On March 27, a mob in the Uromi area of Edo allegedly attacked and killed at least 16 hunters of northern descent who were travelling from Elele, Rivers state.

The development has further deepened the divide between ethnic groups in the country.

Speaking on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation from Kano state led by Aminu Gwarzo, the deputy governor, Okpebholo said President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned about the incident.

He added that the president is committed to ensuring the safety of the state and the nation for all residents and businesses.

He said the committee would.help to address the challenges posed by the “unfortunate incident”.

“This incident has opened our eyes and we are ready to address a lot of issues about the country and how to make life better for us all,” Okpebholo was quoted as saying in a statement by Fred Itua, his media aide.

“The president is not happy with what has happened and he wants us to see to the end of this dastardly act.”

The governor added that the president and the Edo state government are determined to resolve the issue, noting that the committee would identify the root causes of the incident and  implement a lasting solution.

“The report you have submitted will actually help us so that we do not have to worry you. A lot will be done and made open to the public to know what the committee is doing on the issue,” he said.

Gwarzo expressed gratitude to Okpebholo for his earlier visit to Kano and commended the steps taken in response to the Uromi incident.

“The governor of Kano State set up a committee to screen and verify, to establish the names, numbers, next of kin and those who survived the attack,” Gwarzo said.

“We have been able to carry out these activities and we have come out with a report which we are here to submit to your excellency.”

He added that 16 individuals from five LGAs in Kano lost their lives in the attack and stressed the need for a transparent process to ensure justice.

Present at the meeting were the deputy governor of Edo, Dennis Idahosa; Blessing Agbebaku, the speaker of the Edo state house of assembly, security heads in the state, and senior government officials from both Kano and Edo states.

Okpebholo and the delegation from Kano also visited Uromi, where they met with members of Hausa community.