Nigerian security forces say they have arrested two principal suspects in connection with the killing of 16 people from the north of the country in Uromi, Edo State, last week.
The arrests were made by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Uromi, following what was described as “credible intelligence,” according to a statement from Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpehbolo.
Itua added that other security agencies are continuing to search for other key individuals involved in the killings.
The two suspects apprehended by the DSS have reportedly been transferred to the capital, Abuja, for further questioning and prosecution by the relevant authorities, according to local media outlet The PUNCH.
A source speaking to The PUNCH also stated that 14 other suspects previously arrested in connection with the incident have been moved to the Force headquarters, and that the transfer to Abuja was in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police.
The motive behind the killings remains unclear.
Following the incident, Governor Okpehbolo met with representatives of the Kano State government and visited the families of the victims, promising compensation. Itua said that discussions are ongoing between the Edo and Kano state governments to determine the form this compensation will take.
Meanwhile, a local resident in Uromi, identified as Michael, told The PUNCH that people are leaving their homes in the area where the killings occurred, fearing arrest by police tasked with finding those responsible. He also mentioned a protest by women at the palace of the traditional ruler, the Ojuromi of Uromi, reportedly over the “indiscriminate arrest” of residents.
The killings have raised concerns about inter-community relations in the region, and authorities are under pressure to bring all those responsible to justice.
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