The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his swift and decisive response to the mob killing of travelers in Uromi.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, praised Okpebholo for demonstrating strong leadership by taking immediate steps to ensure justice, accountability, and national unity. The rights group contrasted his approach with what it described as a lackluster response from some Northern governors to similar incidents involving Christian victims.
“His actions reassure Edo citizens and send a strong message that lawlessness and violence will not be tolerated,” HURIWA stated.
The group outlined key measures taken by the governor, including his visit to the victims’ families in Kano, his pledge of compensation for the deceased travelers’ families, and the suspension of the Edo State Vigilante leader allegedly involved in the attack.
HURIWA also drew attention to past incidents of mob violence, such as the murder of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto and Pastor Eunice Elisha in Abuja, questioning why justice has often been delayed or denied in such cases.
“The Edo State governor’s swift action stands in contrast to the inaction seen in previous cases of mob killings in Northern Nigeria,” the group added.
HURIWA urged the federal government, security agencies, and state governors to take decisive action against mob violence and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, regardless of ethnic or religious background.
“This is a wake-up call for Nigerians to collectively reject mob violence and embrace the rule of law,” Onwubiko concluded.
