Paul Okojie, a candidate aspiring for a senate position with the Labour Party in Edo State, has criticized the recent murders of 16 people from Northern Nigeria by an angry mob in Uromi, Edo State. He holds the police responsible for this occurrence.
On Tuesday, Okojie released a press statement stating that the individuals killed by an enraged crowd and set ablaze were singled out due to escalating tensions caused by violent abductions and assaults on farmers carried out by criminals believed to be functioning as terrorist groups.
He mentioned that the horrific murders have ignited anger nationwide, prompting numerous individuals to doubt the efficiency of local police forces.
Okojie voiced profound grief and anger about the murders, blaming the Edo State Police Command for not stopping this disaster.
He expressed regret over the increase in insecurity in Edo Central, notably in Uromi, where inhabitants have been facing constant attacks from criminals due to insufficient police support.
He stated, "It is discouraging that even with multiple appeals for forward-looking law enforcement strategies and data-driven safety initiatives, the Edo State Police Command has continually fallen short in safeguarding our citizens."
The blatant character of these murders indicates not only a failure in law enforcement but also an alarming degree of collusion due to lack of action.
He additionally charged the police with neglecting their responsibilities, asserting that they were not present during the lynching and did not manage to apprehend those responsible for bringing these individuals to face justice.
He stated that the police's failure to stop the crises in Edo Central by adequately addressing security concerns has encouraged criminal activities and put people’s lives at risk.
Okojie urged the Inspector General of Police and related authorities to encourage CP Betty Otimenyin to face the difficulties of her role head-on or replace her with a Chief Superintendent who places higher importance on ensuring the security of Edo State’s citizens.
He similarly called upon the Edo State government and federal security forces to carry out an open and thorough investigation into the murders, ensuring that all parties involved, including any security personnel who may have been complicit, face legal consequences. He further stated,
The residents of Edo Central deserve tranquility, safety, and fairness. No more.
The murders in Uromi have reverberated throughout Edo State and far beyond, sparking renewed worries regarding vigilante violence and the intensifying security challenges in the area. Both community elders and human rights organizations are calling for responsibility and rapid measures to stop additional loss of life.
As inquiries progress, residents persistently demand changes to their state’s security framework, stressing the critical necessity of forward-thinking and capable law enforcement to rebuild public trust and guarantee justice for every victim.
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