Law & Crime
Edo Crisis: Dickson condemns extra judicial killing of 16 Northern travellers
By David Owei, Yenagoa.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial district, Senator Seriake Dickson, has condemned the killing of 16 northern travellers in Edo State.
The former Bayelsa State governor expressed his resentment in a very strong worded statement obtained from his verifiable Facebook account that he personally signed.
Senator Dickson also while also commending the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his proactive measures, called on the State Government and security agencies to investigate the matter and prosecute those responsible, just as he recommends compensation for the families of the victims.
His words: “I am saddened by reports of the killing of 16 northern travellers in Edo State, and I condemn it in very strong terms. It is unacceptable and condemnable for even one person to be killed, let alone sixteen, in a single occurrence.
“It is also very painful that this unfortunate incident occurred during the Holy month of Ramadan when Muslims mark the end of the fasting period with festivities, travelling across to celebrate with friends and families”, he added.
Dickson further stressed, “I had earlier sent out congratulatory messages to felicitate with all Muslims following the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. In respect of this sad incident, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
“While I commend the Edo State Governor, my brother, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his proactive measures and the steps he has taken, I call on the State Government and the Nigerian security agencies to thoroughly investigate this matter and hold those responsible to account. I also call for the prosecution of those responsible and urge compensation for the families of the victims.
“I must also commend my brothers, Governor Yusuf of Kano state and Senator Barau, the Emir, the Sultan of Sokoto and other northern leaders for their statements, calling for calm, and I join in that call, urging that those responsible for this horrible act should face severe punishment”, he insisted.
He also warned that there should be no collective criminalization or demonization of any group of Nigerians, ethnic profiling or reprisal attacks, adding, “That was why, when I was governor, even at the height of herdsmen crisis, we insisted on law and order, and made sure that Bayelsa State was safe and free for everyone subject to the laws of the state.
“Those who profile Nigerians according to ethnic group, and criminalize and insult whole tribes are inviting the Rwandan experience which I always preached against.
“We must isolate and punish criminals wherever they are found and whoever they are. In Nigeria, everyone has a right to freedom of movement and should be protected. Everyone has the right to go about their business and feel safe while doing so.
“I call on all leaders to de-escalate tensions and work for unity and mutual coexistence of all Nigerians founded on justice and respect for the rights of all citizens as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and laws”, Dickson states.
There is rising apprehension among residents of Yenagoa,the Bayelsa State capital following the killing of Olotu Wanemi Omubo, the alleged leader of the Bobos cult group in the State.
The deceased Olotu Wanemi Omubo, an Indigene of Nembe in Nembe Local Government Area of the State, was also a beneficiary of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and a leader of the Phase 2 amnesty beneficiaries in the State.
Investigations revealed that some unknown rival cult gang had on Thursday night at about 9pm trailed him to the residence of a female friend, and shot him three times at close range on the head, the chest and the side.
Another version of the report claimed that the deceased was shot three times and heavy stones were rained on him to confirm he was dead before the suspected killers fled the scene.
Some security operatives confirmed that the head ruptured in the attack. And the killing made residents of the Good news street along Azikoro town scampered for safety.
Some members of the Bobos group are however suspecting the involvement of external marksmen in the killing of Wanemi.
Security sources informed our correspondent that the killing of Olotu Wanemi Omubo is a follow up to the lingering battle between the rival cult groups, the Greenlanders,Vikings and the Bobos in the State.
The Bobos cult group were also implicated in the shooting of one suspected Unit leader of the Vikings cult group identified as Christian along the Kimowei filling station area of Imgbi road in Amarata.
Christian was shot in the shoulder at close range and currently in a critical condition in an undisclosed hospital.
The shooting of the Vikings member was reported to have led to the invasion of the Swali area of the State capital where four persons were killed on Easter Sunday.
It was revealed that the Greenlanders group had in the last few days held a national meet where key decision were made on ways to wad off rival cult attacks.
Close observers have started sounding note of warning to residents to avoid night movement and unnecessary social gatherings in anticipation of a reprisal attacks from the Bobos cult groups in the state,” there would more killings if the Police and the State government failed to intervene. Innocent persons were killed at Swali when they did not see the cult boys”
Another resident from the Imgbi road area, identified as Melvin told our correspondent that the known notorious cult members in Amarata have gone into hiding out of fear,” we don’t see most them around again. Those at Apex,Imgbi road and Omoadec areas have gone into hiding. We now live in fear.”
Contacted on the development, the Police Spokesperson, Musa Mohammed said the police have received the report of the killing of one person along Azikoro town but awaiting full details on the incident.
However a Senior police officer attached to the State Police Command told our correspondent that the Police is tactically investigating developments and monitoring key actors in the renewed cult gang war.
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