The Federal Government and the Edo State Government have set up a joint fact-finding committee to investigate the killing of 16 northern travelers in Uromi, Edo State, last month, NewsSpecng learnt.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo disclosed this while receiving Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo in Benin City on Thursday.
Gwarzo led a committee constituted by Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, to investigate the recent killings in Uromi.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Deputy Governor, Ibrahim Shuaibu, the committee includes prominent figures such as the Emir of Rano, Ambassador Mohammad Isa Umar; Commissioners for Religious Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Special Duties and Women Affairs; Chairman of Bunkure Local Government Area; among other top officials.
While receiving a report from the delegation, Okpebholo disclosed that the FG, in collaboration with the Edo State Government, had also set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances.
“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 has happened, and he wants us to see to the end of this dastardly act,” Okpebholo stated.
“The President personally wants to see 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 causes of the incident and put a lasting solution to the issue.
“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 on the issue.
“We are a peace-loving people in Edo State. We love those living with us in the State. Kano and Edo States have been collaborating in the area of commerce and industry.”
On his part, Gwarzo noted that the delegation was in Edo State to thank the Governor for the peaceful steps he took when he came to Kano State following the incident.
“The Governor of Kano State set up a committee to screen and verify, to establish 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 Your Excellency.
“You promised us that justice would be done, and we believe you on this, Mr. Governor. We need a transparent process on this issue. Sixteen persons lost their lives from five local government areas of Kano State,” Gwarzo said.
Present during the visit were the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; state security heads in the state, senior government officials from Kano and Edo states, among others.
Governor Okpebholo and the delegation from Kano also visited Uromi, where they met with members of the Hausa Community in the area.
Prior to the Kano delegation’s departure from the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Gwarzo reiterated the committee’s commitment to justice, peace and reconciliation.
“Our mandate is clear — to investigate, to consult, and to recommend sustainable solutions. This is not just a fact-finding mission, but a peace-building initiative aimed at restoring confidence and preventing further violence,” Gwarzo stated.
As part of its assignment, the committee is scheduled to hold consultations with the Edo State Governor, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations during its week-long stay.
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