In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) have arrested two principal suspects involved in the gruesome killing of 16 travellers of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The arrests were made possible by credible intelligence gathered by the security agency.
The Edo killings, which occurred last week, sent shockwaves across the country, sparking widespread condemnation and outrage. The victims, who were mostly traders and artisans, were allegedly attacked and killed by a mob in Uromi. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens, particularly in the face of rising ethnic and religious tensions.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, the suspects were arrested by operatives of the DSS in Uromi, following credible intelligence. The statement noted that operatives of various security agencies were still hunting for other key suspects involved in the unfortunate incidents.
In a latest development, the two principal suspects arrested by officials of the DSS have been transferred to Abuja, the nation’s capital, for further interrogation and prosecution by the relevant authorities. According to a source that the 14 suspects arrested in connection with the Edo killings have been transferred to Force headquarters while investigation continues on the matter.
The Edo and Kano state governments have commenced discussions on compensation for the families of the victims. Governor Okpebholo had earlier visited the families of the victims in Kano, where he promised compensation. Although the details of the compensation package are still being worked out, it is expected to be finalized soon.
The arrests have brought some relief to the people of Uromi, but tension still remains high in the area. Residents are deserting their villages over fear of being arrested, while women have protested the indiscriminate arrest of residents by security agencies.
Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that some major opposition political parties are planning to instigate a crisis in the state and make it ungovernable. The state APC chairman, Jarret Tenebe, stated this during a news conference in Abuja. According to Tenebe, the aim of those behind the plot is to force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state.