Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano has challenged his counterpart in Edo, Monday Okpebholo, to publicly parade those responsible for the killing of 16 travellers in Uromi.

Speaking on Monday, Mr Yusuf expressed sadness over the killing of the northerners in Edo, emphasising that most of the victims were from Kano State.

The governor spoke while playing host to Mr Okpebholo, who led a delegation to Kano to offer Edo people’s condolences over the tragic incident, and said the northerners demand justice for victims.

“It is a known fact that our people were travelling from Port Harcourt through Edo State when they were brutally attacked. Many were maimed, burnt, and murdered in cold blood.

“Kano people trust you, and you have assured us that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. We appeal to you to ensure that they are not only arrested but also paraded publicly so that the world sees those responsible for this heinous crime,” Mr Yusuf stated.

He also commended the arrest of some suspects and the responses of the security agencies in Edo following the gruesome killing of the northerners but further reiterated that justice must be served.

While acknowledging the swift response of the Edo government to the killings, Mr Yusuf commended Mr Okpebholo for his immediate visit to the crime scene and his efforts to ensure the victims were buried.

He assured of Kano’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and warned against reprisals, stressing that Nigeria belongs to all citizens.

The Kano governor called on leaders to work together to prevent such incidents in the future, tasking security agencies to take firm action against those who incite violence.  

Remarking, Mr Okpebholo assured the people of Kano that justice would be served, revealing that 14 suspects had already been arrested and were being transferred to Abuja for further investigation.

He reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining harmony between the Hausa community in Edo and their hosts, stressing that the attack did not reflect the values of the state.  

“I want to assure you that Mr President was deeply disturbed by this incident and has directed security agencies to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators to book,” Mr Okpebholo added.

President Bola Tinubu, the Northern Governors Forum (NGF), Amnesty International, different Muslim organisations, and concerned Nigerians condemned the gruesome killing of the northerners.

They also asked security agencies in Edo to fish out the perpetrators, conduct a thorough investigation, and bring them to justice.