The gruesome killing of sixteen travelers at Uromi in Edo State, who were accused by vigilantes to be kidnappers without a shred of evidence but who in truth were local hunters returning to Kano State from Port Harcourt for Sallah, was one of the worst cases of ethnic profiling, mob justice, vigilante excess, taking the law into personal hands, and a most wicked and inhuman treatment of fellow human beings in recent Nigerian history. It was also a very dangerous episode for national peace and cohesion which could trigger other mobs to undertake so-called “reprisal attacks” against other, regionally profiled but equally innocent citizens.
In this whole sordid episode, the prompt efforts by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo aimed at calming frayed nerves, as summarized by security expert retired Group Captain Sadiq Shehu, is a flicker of light in the dark Uromi tunnel. In the wake of the killings, the governor dashed to Uromi, ordered a thorough probe and the apprehension of the culprits and dissolved all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state.
He then paid a quick visit to Kano State on Tuesday, where he met Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and also the victims’ families. As Sadiq Shehu summarized it, Okpebholo took with him to Kano members of the Hausa Arewa community in Edo State. As a testament to the cordial relations between the communities which the Uromi episode nearly unraveled, one member of the entourage said his family members have been living peacefully in Edo State for 60 years. During the visit, Governor Okpebholo sought out Edo community members in Kano. One Edo man said his family members have been living peacefully in Kano for over 80 years!
At the Kano Government House, while addressing the host Governor, Okpebholo asked one Alhaji who was seated in the entourage to please stand up. The man stood up, and Governor Okpebholo said, “Your Excellency and all gathered here, this Alhaji is my Maigida. When I came to Kano from Edo State many years back, alone, on learning that I was alone, this Alhaji gave me his boys’ quarters to stay. He used to help me with pocket money. Kano is my town.” Very shining examples of inter community co-existence in the wake of the Uromi tragedy.
The Edo governor also said families of the 16 hunters killed in Uromi will receive full compensation. Accompanied by Governor Yusuf and other dignitaries, Okpebholo then paid a condolence visit to Torankawa village in Bunkure Local Government Area, hometown of many of the travelers. He pledged to support the bereaved families with financial aid and food donations. He also vowed that the gruesome murders would not go unpunished.
The prompt example, pledges of justice, soothing words for the families and telling examples of Governor Okpebholo will go a long way in calming frayed nerves in the wake of this terrible tragedy. No one should ever contemplate “reprisal” action; two, three or even a hundred wrongs will never add up to a right.
