FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has disclosed that the federal government in collaboration with the Edo State government have set up a fact-finding committee to look into the circumstances surrounding the recent killing of some hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo stated this Thursday when he received a high-powered delegation from Kano State led by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, at the Government House, Benin City.
The governor said President Bola Tinubu is not happy with what happened in Uromi and that he is determined to ensure that the state and nation are safe for everybody to live and do business.
“This incident has opened our eyes and we are ready to address a lot of issues about the country and how to make life better for us all. The president is not happy with what happened and he wants us to see to the end of this dastardly act.
“The president personally wants to see to the end of this issue. I want to also let you know that the president and Edo State government have set up a committee to find out the remote cause(s) of the incident and get a lasting solution.
“This report you have submitted will actually help us so that we do not have to worry you. A lot will be done and made open to the public to know what the committee is doing.
“We are a peace-loving people in Edo State. We love those living with us. Kano and Edo States have been collaborating in the area of commerce and industry,” he stated.
In his speech, Comrade Gwarzo appreciated Governor Okpebholo for his earlier visit to Kano.
He noted that the delegation was in Edo State to thank the governor for the peaceful steps he took when he came to Kano in regards to the Uromi incident.
“The governor of Kano State set up a committee to screen and verify the names, numbers, next of kin and those who survived the attack. We have been able to carry out these activities and we have come out with a report which we are here to submit to you.
“You promised us that justice will be done and we believe you on this, Mr Governor. We need a transparent process on this issue. 16 persons lost their dear lives from five local government areas of Kano State,” he explained.
Present during the visit were the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa; Speaker Blessing Agbebaku; security heads in the state, senior government officials, both from Kano and Edo, among others.
Governor Okpebholo and the Kano delegation also visited Uromi, where they met members of the Hausa community in the area.
