The Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday said that party is deeply alarmed by the deteriorating security situation in the State, which it said responsible for the gruesome killing of travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of the State.
This was also as the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Edo State chapter condemned in strongest terms the brutal killing of the seven.
A statement from Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee said the killing has exposed the absence of coherent security framework under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholob.
The PDP demanded a restoration of security in the State to avoid more loss of lives adding , ” it is an indictment of the Okpebholo administration’s failure to properly regulate, train, and coordinate security efforts in the state.”
The statement reads in part. “The recent government classification of the perpetrators of the Uromi Killing as an illegal vigilante group only further exposes the absence of a coherent security framework under the current administration and a continuation of the blame game this government has come to master.
“The suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), is a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed. The February 5 mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps was an early warning sign of deep-rooted inefficiencies, yet Senator Monday Okpebholo chose to ignore it. Now, Edo people are paying the price with their lives.
“It is particularly distressing that a vigilante group, operating without any oversight or proper registration, was allowed to take up arms and engage in extra-judicial killings.
“The PDP demands the following urgent measures to restore security and prevent further loss of lives: a. Comprehensive Audit and Overhaul of the Edo State Security Corps: The security structure must be reviewed to eliminate unregistered groups and ensure accountability in operations.
“Immediate Arrest and Prosecution of All Perpetrators: The government must ensure that all those responsible for the Uromi killings, including their sponsors, face the full weight of the law.”
On it’s part, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Edo State chapter , while condemning the killing called for proper investigations on the matter.
A statement issued by the Chairman, NSCIA, Edo State chapter,Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu described the killing as, ” vagrant disregard for constituted order of justice administration in the State and country.”
He noted that the mob injustice triggered by false accusations was fueled by crass ignorance of the perpetrators of the right to fair hearing by the accused, no matter the situation.
Igbinidu called on authorities concerned to carry out immediate and thorough investigations into the tragedy, calling for swift and decisive action against those responsible.
The Islamic body advised Nigerians against taking the laws into their hands to prevent a repeat of the unfortunate incident.
They appealed to Hausa community in Uromi and indeed Edo State to remain calm and peaceful and resist the temptation for retaliation and instead should seek justice through lawful means.
The statement reads, “We condemn the horrific events that happened on Thursday in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, Edo State, where some innocent travellers from Northern Nigeria tragically lost their lives due to a horrifying display of mob injustice.
“We demand that the authorities take swift and decisive action against those responsible for inciting and participating in this heinous crime. It is imperative that justice is served not only for the victims and their grieving families but also to society in order to restore faith in our justice system.
“We recognize the pain and anger that this incident has caused within the Hausa community in Uromi and beyond. However, we urge our brothers and sisters to remain calm and peaceful while also being vigilant”.
The council extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and called on the relevant authorities to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrators of this mob injustice to book.
While commending the State Governor Monday Okpebholo for his swift response , NSCIA called on Nigerians to always see themselves as one by avoiding growing distrusts in the face of violent crimes and criminalities that have become pervasive in the country.
It called for the strict application of the rule of engagement by all vigilance groups in the country in order to avert possible reoccurrence of the Uromi tragedy, stressing that we must collectively build a society where dialogue and understanding prevail over violence and ignorance.