The Edo State government said operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested two principal suspects linked to the killing of 16 Nigerians of Northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
The victims, who were hunters travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Kano for the Sallah celebration on March 28, were intercepted by local vigilantes, mistaken for kidnappers, and lynched.
In a statement, Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, confirmed that the suspects were arrested in Uromi following credible intelligence.
He added that security agencies are actively pursuing other key suspects involved in the tragic incident.
He said the arrested individuals have been transferred to Abuja for further interrogation and prosecution by the relevant authorities.
Governor Okpebholo, during a condolence visit to Kano State on Monday, disclosed that 14 other suspects had already been apprehended in connection with the killings.
He assured the victims’ families that justice would be served and that adequate compensation would be provided.
The Kano State Government has reiterated its call for justice over the tragic killing of 16 Kano indigenes in Uromi, Edo State.
In a statement by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf thanked Edo State governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for visiting the victims’ families in Torankawa, Kano where most of the hunters hail from.
Governor Yusuf emphasised the need for a transparent legal process and called for the public parade of the arrested suspects to ensure that justice is visibly served.
“We appreciate the actions taken so far, but justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. The people of Kano, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve to see those responsible for this massacre brought to justice publicly,” he said.