Follow Us on Google
By Zika Bobby
Secretary to the Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor, yesterday, disclosed that the people of Uromi community rescued 11 of the 27 travellers.
According to him, three are receiving treatments in the hospital while others were transported back to Kano by the Edo State government. But he condemned the killing of 16.
Speaking on a television show, he said the government was barely four months in office, but had made tremendous strides in addressing the security situation inherited from the previous government. “Things were dire before we came in. Illegal vigilante groups were operating unchecked. Just before the election, the Inspector General of Police suspended them after they shot at an officer at the airport, killing a policeman.
“Recently, we discovered that the vigilantes involved in the Uromi incident were from the same group that operated under the last administration, one we had already suspended and begun profiling and retraining. Our goal was to subject them to proper training under the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law. However, what is particularly curious is that, for over 100 years, Uromi has been a gateway between the South and the North, and we have never seen an incident like this. The timing raises important questions that any intelligent security expert should be asking.
“On the issue of insecurity, this government has been proactive. Governor Okpebholo has purchased over 75 brand-new Hilux vehicles for security agencies, which have been distributed accordingly. Before we came in, security agencies relied on old, rickety Sienna vehicles. Additionally, the governor procured power motorcycles to enable security operatives to chase bandits out of the forests, and we are making tremendous progress.
“Just last month in Uromi, a traditional ruler was kidnapped, but within 48 hours, the swift response of the security team assembled by the governor successfully rescued him. We were beginning to push the bad actors out.
“Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation circulating. Some individuals are playing politics with security issues. For example, a video of women protesting in Uromi against kidnappings and rape has resurfaced and is now being spread by the opposition to suggest it is a recent occurrence. However, a simple Google search shows that this video was recorded in 2021 under the Obaseki administration when women protested at the palace and government house over rampant kidnappings. The timing of its circulation now is questionable, particularly at a time when we should all be united in condemning this incident. It is clear that certain individuals are trying to incite unrest and heat up the polity.
“Governor Okpebholo, in his wisdom, has chosen the path of de-escalation.
In fact, the governor’s visit to Kano State averted what could have been a catastrophic crisis. Many may not fully understand this, but anyone familiar with Nigeria’s history and ethnic dynamics will appreciate the significance of his actions.
“While in Kano, we met not only with the government and the people of Bokore but also with leaders of various ethnic minority groups, including the Igbo and Yoruba communities. They expressed their gratitude, noting that the governor’s visit was not just a condolence gesture but also a move that helped protect their people in Kano, as well as the millions of Edo indigenes residing there,” he said.
He called on the people not to just focus on the lives lost but also recognize the lives saved.
“The people of Uromi deserve commendation for their bravery in rescuing those 11 individuals. We are also working to further sensitize the community, ensuring they do not fall prey to incitement from those who do not even live in Uromi.
“A lot of the media incitement we are seeing is orchestrated by political actors with ulterior motives. However, we are countering these false narratives by promoting the message of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and cooperation,” he added.
