Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State governor, has assured the families of the 16 hunters killed in Uromi that he will provide full compensation for their loss.
Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other high-ranking dignitaries, paid a condolence visit to Torankawa in Bunkure Local Government Area. During the visit, he further pledged to support the bereaved families with cash and food donations.
Lamenting the killings of the innocent victims, Okpebholo, visibly angry, vowed in the village that the gruesome murders would not go unpunished.
“We will ensure that justice is served on those responsible for this heinous act,” he stated.
Meanwhile, hundreds of family members and supporters took to the streets in a peaceful protest, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “We demand justice for the killings of our people,” “Hunters are not criminals,” and “We demand the speedy dispensation of justice in this matter.”
Protesters thronged the road leading to Torankawa village, voicing their demands. Many hunters, armed with their hunting weapons, joined the peaceful demonstration.
Similarly, other placards bore inscriptions such as “Killings in the North must stop,” “Northerners are peace-loving citizens,” and “Justice must prevail.”
Some hunters, visibly agitated, chanted war songs, brandishing weapons as the governor’s convoy passed, while local residents kept the situation under control.
