Tension remains high in Edo State following the arrest of two principal suspects linked to the gruesome killing of 16 northerners in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area. Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) apprehended the suspects after gathering credible intelligence, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpehbolo, Fred Itua.
Security forces continue to hunt for other individuals involved in the attack, with authorities confirming that the suspects have been transferred to Abuja for further interrogation and prosecution. A source told The PUNCH that the 14 previously arrested suspects have also been moved to the Force Headquarters in compliance with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police.
Meanwhile, concerns over compensation for the victims’ families persist. Itua noted that discussions between the Edo and Kano State governments are ongoing to determine the nature of the promised compensation.
Fear of mass arrests has driven residents of the affected area to flee their homes, while women stormed the Ojuromi of Uromi’s palace in protest against what they described as indiscriminate detentions by security forces.
In a related development, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that opposition parties are plotting to destabilize the state and provoke a crisis. APC chairman Jarret Tenebe claimed that the goal of these groups is to force President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo, citing a lack of confidence in securing victory at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal.
With investigations still ongoing and political tensions rising, Edo remains on edge as security forces work to restore calm.
