Security forces took over the strategic location of Uromi, the headquarters of the Tohoku government in Edo Prefecture, after a mob killed 16 northern travelers last Thursday.
The deployment of police, military personnel and plainclothes crosses the main junction, with suspicious hotspots designed to prevent possible revenge. However, residents remain attracted by fear as the town adapts to the safety and uncertainty that follows closely behind.
Monday’s visit to the area showed that many residents are now cautious about speaking publicly, especially to strangers. The arrests of at least 14 people (reported to have random contact with the murder) have increased anxiety in the community.
Some locals believe that the wave of kidnapping in Edo and surrounding areas may have triggered a response from the mob. However, most people agree that there is no reason to prove that the law is in their own hands.
Federal CID Takeover Investigation
In addition to local police, military patrols were found near highways and vulnerable areas. Residents also reported that there were plainclothes safety agents monitoring the movement.
A commercial motorcycle rider initially agreed to speak with Vanguard and quickly withdrew his comment when asked about the murder. “I don’t work here, I work at Ekpoma. I only chose to work here today. I only heard about events when I got home.” He said.
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer Moses Yamu confirmed that the military headquarters had taken over the case.
“The Force Headquarters took over the investigation and therefore no longer took it into our hands. But our soldiers are still under the guise to ensure there is no collapse of law and order,” he said.
Banks are alert, residents are worried about escalation
It is unclear whether banks and businesses will fully reopen, as many carried out skeletal services last Friday after retaliatory attacks on Friday.
A banker who spoke anonymously said: “We will observe what is going on today. Last Friday, some banks did not open at all, while others closed their doors early. If there are signs of trouble, we will close again. Security agencies are monitoring, but tensions remain. ”
The banker recalled the painful events last year involving the kidnapping and death of the first generation of banking heads in Igben.
The banker said: “He was kidnapped and later found dead. Even the morgue rejected the body because it had been broken down. That incident shocked us. It explains people’s anger to some extent. But jungle justice is never the answer.transparent
He added:These were once peaceful areas, but now many kidnappings have not been reported. Some victims have even been kidnapped in their homes. ”
Governor Okpebholo’s response
Gov. Okpebholo tried to ease tensions by pausing local alert heads, visiting victims’ families and the Kano state government. Yet, fear remains.
“We don’t know when or how revenge will occur. That’s the most frightening part” said Hope Osajie, a businessman on New Agbor Road.We heard that they might target villages, not villages, such as Agbede or Ewu. Safety agencies must be more proactive. ”
Locals keep the victims not hunters
A resident near Ulomi Market insisted that the killed traveler was not a hunter, which contradicted earlier claims.
“A driver from the East saw them loading their guns on the truck and reminded Ubiaja Vigilantes. The driver almost ran away when they tried to stop the truck. The alert man followed and sent the Uromi team who intercepted the gun, and they intercepted the truck. While searching for the vehicle, searched for a occupant, the person who stabbed the jackknife, and the person who triggered the egg trigger and what triggered it,,” the resident explained.
Others accused the incident of a long-standing government failure.
“The government has failed to protect our obligations. People are afraid to go to the farm. Some are kidnapped.said a man who is sure he is Edmudia.We cried and protested, but nothing changed. What happened last Thursday was the result of people’s frustration. However, this does not make what happened right. ”
