By: Paul Ezenwa
The gruesome incident of vigilante that rocked Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, claiming 16 Northern travelers, would have blown off the roof and left the relics blackmailing, if not for the brilliance and responsive actions of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Dreaded as it would have seemed to spread, despite the widespread condemnation, Governor Okpebholo broke the camels back.
The incident, linked to an unregistered vigilante group, prompted Governor Okpebholo to take swift and decisive action.
In the wake of such a tragic incident of jungle justice in Uromi, Governor Okpebholo sprang into action, showcasing his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice prevails.
For many, it would have been a lacklustre approach on the part of the governor, flowing from several security threats that have emanated from that region with several kidnappings and killings
However, he resisted the temptations and acted with a total commitment to save an intending crisis, perhaps through a purported reprisal.
Some Nigerians praised his efforts while others believed that he should have reacted more to the several unchecked kidnappings ravaging the region.
Governor Okpebholo’s first decisive action was when he visited the scene of incidence in Uromi to assess the situation firsthand, where he reassured locals and Nigerians that justice would be served.
As a responsive government, at Uromi, he quickly condemned the barbaric act, describing the incident as “completely unacceptable” with “no place in Edo State.”
While asserting commitment to the rule of law, he emphasized that extrajudicial killings would not be tolerated as those responsible would face the full consequences of the law.
Tasking the Edo State Police Command and relevant security agencies with carrying out a swift and transparent investigation, the governor created what is seen as a more than partnership between the security architecture and open governance in the state.
Residents of Edo State and neighbouring state governors cut across the country have commended Governor Okpebholo’s prompt response, praising his commitment to justice and peace.
Besides residence commendation, Monday Agbonika, the newly redeployed Commissioner of Police Edo State Command, has also praised the efforts of Governor Okpebholo calling for their continued support in maintaining peace and security in the state.
COMPOL Agbokina made the remarks during a familiarization call to the Nigeria Union of Journalists Edo State Council in Benin City on Thursday.
Agbonika assured that with the steps taken by the governor to visit victims’ families and the governor in Kaduna, there will be no reprisal.
The community hopes for a resolution to restore order in Uromi, appreciating the governor’s efforts in preventing further escalation of tensions.
Again, in his proactive steps, Governor Monday Okpebholo has warned against the importation of mercenaries to destabilise Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Recall when he spoke during a visit from Comrade Godiya Adams Bogoro, President of the Northern Youth Association of Nigeria, NYAN, and 10 other Northern youth leaders, Okpebholo urged Nigerians to unite against insecurity.
Calling for peaceful coexistence across tribes and religions, as well as urging youths not to be manipulated into causing destruction, shows his sportsmanship in national issues.
Given his stance, Bogoro, leading the Northern delegation, praised Okpebholo’s swift response to the Uromi incident.
With Governor Okpebholo’s penchant for peace and stability, Edo is headed for an enviable future.
