19 hours ago
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A senatorial aspirant under the Labour Party in Edo State, Paul Okojie, has condemned the recent mob killings of 16 Northerners in Uromi, Edo State, blaming the police for the incident.
In a press statement Tuesday, Okojie said that the victims who were burnt alive by an irate mob were targeted in response to growing tensions over violent kidnappings and attacks on farmers by criminal elements suspected to be operating as terrorists.
He said the gruesome killings have sparked outrage across the country, with many questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in the region.
Expressing deep sadness and outrage over the killings, Okojie criticised the Edo State Police Command for its failure to prevent the tragedy.
He lamented the rise in insecurity in Edo Central, particularly in Uromi, where residents have been under siege from criminal elements without adequate police intervention.
He said, “It is disheartening that despite repeated calls for proactive policing and intelligence-led security measures, the Edo State Police Command has consistently failed to protect our people.
“The brazen nature of these killings suggests not just a breakdown in law enforcement but also a disturbing level of complicity through inaction.”
He further accused the police of dereliction of duty, stating that the police were absent during the lynching and had failed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said the inability of the police to prevent the crises in Edo Central by responding effectively to insecurity issues has emboldened criminals and endangered lives.
Okojie called on the Inspector General of Police and the relevant authorities to either urge CP Betty Otimenyin to brace up to the challenges of her job or replace her with a CP who will prioritise the safety of Edo residents.
He also urged the Edo State government and federal security agencies to conduct a transparent investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible, including any complicit security officers, are brought to justice. He added,
“The people of Edo Central deserve peace, security, and justice. Enough is enough.”
The Uromi killings have sent shockwaves across Edo State and beyond, raising fresh concerns about mob justice and the escalating security crisis in the region. Community leaders and rights groups have joined in demanding accountability and swift action to prevent further bloodshed.
As investigations unfold, citizens continue to call for reforms in the state’s security infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive and competent policing to restore public confidence and ensure justice for all victims.
