By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi,Abuja

A Northern group, the Arewa Grassroots Leaders Assembly, AGLA, has demanded justice for the 16 Northerners killed in Uromi, Edo State on Friday, calling on the security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding their tragic deaths.

The National President of AGLA, Hon. Onogu Collins Monday, in a statement signed by the National Public Relations Secretary of the group, Chief Joel M. Mahwash, condemned the crime, saying it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that justice is served without delay.

Monday stated that “the killing of innocent citizens, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, is a blatant violation of their faith, fundamental human rights, and an affront to humanity.”

The group leader, who expressed sadness over the killings emphasized the need for government to take immediate action to identify and prosecute those responsible for the crime.

He called for an independent panel to oversee the investigation, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process, urging the civil society organizations and international human rights bodies to monitor the situation closely and provide necessary support to the victims’ families.

Monday further advised the government to implement concrete measures to prevent such incidents in the future, address the root causes of violence, and promote dialogue, understanding, and peace among all Nigerians.

While highlighting the growing concerns about the security challenges faced by Northern Nigerians in various parts of the country, he also advocated for a national security framework that prioritizes the safety of all citizens, regardless of their region or ethnic backgrounds.

The AGLA President called for unity among Northern and Southern leaders, emphasizing that such tragic events should not be allowed to sow seeds of discord, adding that political, religious, and traditional leaders should work together in fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence.

He also encouraged the federal government to invest in intelligence gathering, community policing, and early warning systems to detect and prevent such violent incidents in the future.

Monday pointed out that “strengthening inter-community engagement and trust among different ethnic groups is crucial to reducing tensions and preventing future occurrences.”

He, however, advised the media to report responsibly on the incident, avoid sensationalism and divisive narratives that could escalate tensions, but to focus on facts and promote messages of peace and reconciliation.

The AGLA President, while reassuring the victims’ families of continued demand for justice on their behalf, urged the federal government to provide necessary support to them, including compensation and trauma counseling.

Meanwhile,Blood has not stopped flowing on the streets of Uromi community in Esan North East local government of Edo state three days after governor Monday Okpebholo called for a ceasefire.

This followed crisis that erupted recently between the uromi community youths and the hausa fulanis resident in the area. Though,police kept mute on the casualty figure as at the time of this report, sources said over sixty persons may have been killed since the crisis began.

Already, the Edo state governor, senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered the deployment of special squad from the police, military, DSS and civil defense corps to the crisis torn area.

The community largest market located on Uromi ubiaja road has been deserted while shop owners and traders have abandoned their business environment following fear of looting of their shops and attack.

Life in Uromi community is now nightmare, said mr Lucky Okonofua, a resident. Sources have also confirmed the escalation of the crisis to neighboring Ughoha and Ubiaja communities. The crisis reportedly began when a truck with registration number KKF225XA convening 25 passengers was halted for a check by the community vigilante following a tip-off.

During a search, several locally made single and double barreled guns were discovered in the truck. Obviously not satisfied with the explanation given for their mission, the vigilante reportedly alerted the police from the divisional headquarters Uromi.

This reportedly led to loss of tempers by the hausa-fulanis the occupants of the vehicle. Feared that the travellers could be kidnappers, the vigilante quickly mobilized and got support of the people who launched attack on their suspected enemies. In a statement on Saturday, the command Spokesman, Moses Yamu, said when Police operatives attached to the Uromi Division got wind of the incident they swiftly stormed the scene where 10 of the travelers were rescued, two of whom sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to a hospital where they are currently positively responding to treatment.

According to Yamu, “In the course of investigations, 14 suspected attackers were arrested in connection with the crime, while an emergency meeting was convened with stakeholders and members of the community to address the situation.