President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has condemned the murder of 16 travellers in Edo state, describing it as a senseless act of violence, unacceptable and having no place in our society.
Akpabio in a statement issued by his media aide, Jackson Udom, on Monday in Abuja, called on relevant security agencies to fish out and bring to justice, perpetrators of the dastardly act.
Condemnation of the killings and call for justice by Akpabio, came at a time, the governor of Edo state, Monday Okpebholo, visited the deputy president of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin and assured that justice will surely be visited on perpetrators of the act, 14 of whom, have been arrested and on their way to Abuja for interrogation.
Akpabio said, “I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the gruesome murder of 16 travellers in Edo state. This senseless act of violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society.
“I condemn in very strong terms this heinous crime and I urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators of this barbaric act are brought to book and held accountable for their actions.
“As a people, we must work together to promote peace, unity, and understanding among our people. We cannot afford to let such acts of violence divide us or undermine our collective efforts to build a better Nigeria”.
Governor Okpebholo in assuring the deputy president of the Senate of justice for the killers, visited Senator Barau Jibrin’s Maitama residence on Monday where he disclosed that 14 suspects have been arrested who according to him, are being brought to Abuja for interrogation.
Governor Okpebholo extended his condolences to the deputy president of the Senate, who is from Kano state, pledging that the state government will assist the families of the victims.
While assuring that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law, he described the killings of the innocent travellers as unfortunate and condemnable.
“It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy.
“The president is doing something drastic about this. He’s not happy also. The IG has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects.
“So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased,” he said.
Responding, the deputy president of the Senate said the perpetrators of the act must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.
“We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want – all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction. And I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected.
“I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the facts.
“If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere. And this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again,” he said.
A mob had on Thursday last week in Uromi town, Edo state, intercepted the innocent travellers who were on their way to Kano state for Sallah celebrations, ransacked their vehicle and gruesomely murdered them.
The victims who were hunters are from Kano state.