The Secretary to the Edo State Government, SSG, Barrister Musa Ikhilor, has thrown more light on the trending issue of the gruesome killing of 16 travellers who met their untimely death in Uromi.
He revealed how Uromi people saved 11 persons out of the 27 travellers, with three currently receiving treatments in the hospital.
Speaking on a TVC breakfast show, the SSG said others were transported back to Kano by the Edo State Government.
John Mayaki recorded the SSG’s interview and here are the details for those who missed it.
“We are just four months into this administration, but we have made tremendous strides in addressing the security situation we 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.
“Migration has been a part of human history since time immemorial. Abraham migrated. Moses migrated. People move across borders for various reasons. The governor’s response to this crisis demonstrated his leadership qualities—his ability to act swiftly, read situations accurately, and manage crises with emotional intelligence.
“In Kano, the Governor didn’t just visit the government house; he traveled two and a half hours by road to the very village where the victims came from. He met with the bereaved families, consoled them, and assured them that justice would be served. He also promised compensation for the innocent lives lost. This proactive approach has significantly de-escalated tensions, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Every well-meaning Nigerian appreciates what Governor Okpebholo has done.
“There is growing suspicion that this attack may have been orchestrated for ulterior motives. As I said earlier, if something has never happened in over a hundred years and suddenly occurs now, questions must be asked: What really went wrong?
“Some are trying to justify the attack by pointing to insecurity in Uromi. That is not an excuse. The government had already been addressing security concerns, and the records are there to prove it. Let us not be deceived by non-state actors and enemies of the state who are manipulating social media to spread falsehoods. As I mentioned earlier, they are recycling old videos to create the illusion that these events are unfolding now. That is simply not the case.
“The DSS is actively investigating the situation. This is why we suspended the commander of the Edo Security Corps. The governor is proactive and will not allow any sacred cows in this matter.
“When we assumed office, Edo State was plagued by cult-related killings. In fact, during our very first week in office, a man who had attended our inauguration had a flat tire and went to James Watt Road to fix it. While he was waiting, someone was shot dead right beside him in a cult-related attack. The governor responded swiftly. He engaged community leaders, stakeholders, and even youths with access to these criminal elements. He issued a stern warning and made examples of a few individuals. As a result, cult-related killings suddenly dropped.
“By December last year, for the first time in years, Benin City experienced unprecedented peace, with no cult-related crises. People testified to this achievement. The governor then enacted a new Anti-Cultism Law, introducing stricter penalties for cultists and their sponsors. Under this law, offenders face 21 years in prison, and their properties can be confiscated and demolished. He has also been enforcing the Anti-Kidnapping Law. This is governance in action, and the results speak for themselves.
“However, we understand that this is a political season and that there is a case in court. Some individuals believe that creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity will help them influence public opinion. But we are not distracted. We remain focused on our work, ignoring all forms of propaganda.
“When the governor heard about the Uromi incident, he immediately left Abuja—where he was scheduled to attend a meeting at the Presidential Villa. By 4 a.m., he was on the road, heading to the scene to engage community leaders and various ethnic groups in Uromi. This city is one of the most cosmopolitan in Edo State, home to Hausas, Igbos, Yorubas, and others who have coexisted peacefully for centuries.
“History cannot be erased. For over 2,000 years, Uromi has been a welcoming community. Something important that has been overlooked in the media is that while 16 travelers were killed, 11 others were saved by the people of Uromi. While the bad actors carried out their heinous acts, good citizens of Uromi stepped in and rescued 11 lives. As we speak, three of them are receiving treatment at Irrua Specialist Hospital. I visited them the night before our trip to Kano. Arrangements were made to transport the survivors back home, and we met with some of them again when we visited their local government area.
“People should not only 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.”
