Due to fear of reprisals and arrests by security forces, residents of communities around Old Ilushi Road, Opere, and Good Will Junction in Uromi, Edo State, have abandoned their homes following the lynching of 16 travelers by a mob last Thursday.
According to The Vanguard, it was reported that this came after Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, while he was speaking in Kano State on Monday, assured that justice would be served for those who lost their lives in the mob attack.
He also met with the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), where he disclosed that the 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killings would soon be transferred to Abuja for further questioning.
Vanguard, reported that the fear of possible retaliation has also forced many residents of Uromi and surrounding areas to stop going to their farms, with some seeking refuge in nearby towns.
Some locals who spoke with Vanguard correspondent, recounted the events leading up to the mob violence.
When asked about her experience with kidnappers in the area, Jenny Osajie, 30, recounted that her elder brother had been abducted while on his way to the farm. She explained that he was killed after the family was unable to gather the N5 million ransom demanded by his captors.
She said: “They were so bold that they called us to come and pick the dead body of our brother and we actually saw the dead body in the place they described for us. I am a Christian and I have committed everything to God but there is anger everywhere because of what these people have been doing.”
She questioned why the government had not taken similar action despite repeated complaints about the activities of herdsmen and kidnappers who had been terrorizing the community. She also wondered if the government was acting with bias in its response.
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