Kano Deputy Governor Assures Northerners Safety In Edo State

Kano Deputy Governor Assures Northerners Safety In Edo State

Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, has affirmed that Northerners residing in Edo State remain safe and are actively engaged in their legitimate businesses despite recent security concerns.

His reassurance follows the tragic killing of 16 hunters in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. Speaking to the press on Friday after leading a high-level delegation from Kano to assess the situation, Gwarzo emphasized that his visit was a continuation of the condolence outreach initiated earlier by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who had visited Kano to sympathize with the affected families…READ MORE…

Describing the warm reception received in Uromi and Benin City, Gwarzo noted, “The overwhelming turnout of both Northerners and indigenous residents clearly showed that our people feel secure and welcome in Edo.”

Governor Okpebholo, who had previously visited the Bunkure and Toronkawa communities to offer condolences, echoed similar sentiments, describing the response from residents of Uromi as heartening and peaceful. “It took us nearly two hours to reach Uromi from Benin, and the crowd that welcomed us—Northerners and locals alike—was incredibly encouraging,” he said.

Gwarzo commended the swift and united response of Edo’s political, traditional, and religious leadership in condemning the incident. “The political authorities have taken a strong stance against this heinous act, and traditional and religious leaders have also voiced their outrage,” he said.

He further disclosed that decisive steps have been taken by the Edo State Government to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, including the disbandment of the implicated local vigilance group and the arrest of key suspects. “So far, about 14 individuals have been arrested, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those still at large,” he added.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), are said to be intensifying investigations to bring all perpetrators to justice.

According to Gwarzo, the primary focus of the Kano State Government is to ensure justice for the victims and adequate compensation for their families. “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. We’ve been assured of compensation for both the loss of lives and the destruction of property, including a burnt vehicle carrying goods from Port Harcourt,” he said.