Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, has urged the Edo State Government led by Mr. Monday Okpebholo to follow the path of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in trying the suspects of Uromi killers immediately.
No fewer than 16 hunters, mostly Hausas, were on Friday reportedly attacked by a mob upon false accusation of kidnapping when they were travelling from Port Harcourt to Kano for Sallah celebrations leading to their deaths.
However, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had announced the arrest of 14 suspects in connection to the tragic incident.
Reacting to the tragedy in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Omokri asserted that there is enough evidence available for the suspects to be tried as soon as possible.
He wrote: “The most effective way to calm the North after the Uromi killings of at least sixteen Northerners is for the Edo State Government to speedily and publicly try those responsible. Failure to do that, even if financial compensation is paid to the victims’ families, will lead to a heightening of tension.
“The trial should start immediately. This is more or less an open-and-shut case. There is video evidence. The Edo State Government may want to take a cue from Governor Seyi Makinde’s expedited arrest and prosecution of those Odua activists who stormed the secretariat.
“After Odua nation agitators attempted to violently take over the Oyo State Government secretariat on Friday, April 12, 2024, Governor Seyi Makinde did not wait for any Federal Government intervention or call on the Nigerian Army to provide internal security. He used state forces to arrest the perpetrators within hours.
“The next day, Governor Seyi Makinde destroyed their houses. On the third day, they were in court. Today, they are now special guests of the Oyo State Government at Agodi prison.”
According to him, Governor Makinde repeated the same feat after the December 18, 2024, Ibadan Stampede, even when those involved were ‘Very Important Persons (VIPs)’.
“Within 96 hours, eight people who were arrested were facing charges, including Olori Naomi Silekunola,” Omokri noted.
He stated that words must be backed with action for the Northerners to maintain calmness amid the loss of lives.
“I am a Southerner who has lived in the North. Words can only calm them down if they are backed up with action. It has been over 96 hours. Get these men before a judge as soon as possible, and the restive North will be calmed.”
He added: “Let us learn from our history. The best predictor of the future is the past. We must do everything legally possible to prevent retaliatory killings.”
