The Kano State Government, on behalf of the good people of the state, especially the grieving families of the Uromi attack who hailed from Toranke, extends profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Excellency, Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for the visit of Federal Government delegation and that of the Governor of Edo State in a show of solidarity and concern over the tragic killings of 16 Kano indigines in Udene, Uromi Local Government Area of Edo State.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who expressed deep sorrow over the heinous act reiterated his call for justice and thanked the visiting delegations for their commitment to support efforts at securing justice for the families of the deceased and the injured

Governor Yusuf emphasized the need for a transparent legal process, including the public parade of the arrested suspects, to assure Nigerians that justice is not only being done but is being 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, deserves to see those responsible for this massacre are brought to justice publicly

The Kano stat governor also commended Governor Okpebholo for his engagement with the Hausa community in Edo State to prevent further escalation of tensions and for his commitment to compensating the bereaved families

“The compensation which the delegation promised is a commendable step, but it must be executed without delay to support the grieving families who have lost their breadwinners,” he noted

Furthermore, the Kano State Government also extends its sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt directive to security agencies to
apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of this atrocity

The swift intervention by the Federal Government underscores its commitment to the security and protection of all Nigerians, regardless of their state of origin

On their part, the people of Torankawa where most of the victims hailed from also expressed their appreciation for the concerted efforts of both Edo State Government and that of Federal Government in addressing the matter.
The Governors of Kano and that of Edo, had both committed towards ensuring thorough and transparent justice process to ensure that such an unfortunate incident never occurs again in any part of the country

In a statement signed by the state commissioner of Information and internal affairs comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya said the Kano State Government remains steadfast in its demand for justice and would continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the families of the victims receive the compensation and the treatment they deserve.

In a press briefing today, Barrister Aminu Hussaini, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Justice and Constitutional Matters, refuted claims that the Kano State Government defied a police directive prohibiting horse processions (durbar) during the Sallah celebrations. He clarified that the prohibition was issued by His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State, under the provisions of the Public Order Act, and merely announced by the State Police Commissioner.

Barr. Hussaini emphasized that the Governor, as the rightful authority, has the power to regulate public assemblies, meetings, and processions, including prescribing routes and times for such events. The decision to prohibit the durbar procession was made in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including the emirate council, and aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property while maintaining peace in Kano State.

Addressing allegations from certain civil society groups, Barr. Hussaini dismissed them as baseless, arguing that it would be illogical to accuse the government of defying its own directive, which was issued in the interest of public welfare. He further revealed that the police have launched investigations into the breach of the emir’s procession on Sallah day.

The Special Adviser reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing the security and welfare of its citizens, underscoring the collaborative efforts between the government, police, and emirate council in making decisions that safeguard the community.

This development highlights the delicate balance between cultural traditions and public safety in Kano State, as authorities navigate the complexities of maintaining order during festive celebrations.

Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, has condemned the murder of 16 Kano-bound travellers in Edo state.

Describing the incident as “deeply painful”, the former Bayelsa governor warned that those who engage in ethnic profiling are risking a Rwanda-like tragedy in Nigeria.

The travellers were attacked and lynched after members of a vigilance group in Uromi suspected that they were kidnappers.

There should be no collective criminalization or demonization of any group of Nigerians, ethnic profiling or reprisal attacks,” Dickson wrote on Facebook.

That was why, when I was governor, even at the height of herdsmen crisis, we insisted on law and order, and made sure that Bayelsa State was safe and free for everyone subject to the laws of the state.

“Those who profile Nigerians according to ethnic group, and criminalize and insult whole tribes are inviting the Rwandan experience which I always preach against. We must isolate and punish criminals wherever they are found and whoever they are.

In Nigeria, everyone has a right to freedom of movement and should be protected. Everyone has the right to go about their business and feel safe while doing so.

“I call on all leaders to de-escalate tensions and work for unity and mutual coexistence of all Nigerians founded on justice and respect for the rights of all citizens as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and laws.”

Commending the “proactive steps taken” by Monday Okpebholo, Edo governor, Dickson called on the state government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

He also demanded compensation for families of the victims.