By Cross Udo, with agency report
A Civil Society Organisation (CSO) under the aegis of the Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI) has urged the Federal Government to take concrete steps to address the rising wave of violence and insecurity nationwide.
The group has also condemned the recent murder of 16 persons in Uromi, Edo State and called on the government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the killings, identify and prosecute the perpetrators and provide adequate compensation and support to the families of the victims.
In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the Director-General of CSCHEI, Kunle Yusuff, frowned on non-state actors’ indiscriminate carrying of arms and advised the government to ensure that only those licensed to carry arms do so.
The statement partly read: “We, the Civil Society Organization on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative, CSCHEI, are deeply shocked and saddened by the gruesome killing of 16 Nigerians in Edo State. This senseless act of violence and jungle justice left us all in a state of mourning.
“We commiserate with the victim’s families, the people of Kano State, and the entire Nigerian nation. No one deserves to lose their life in such a brutal manner. We pray that the souls of the departed rest in peace.
“Civil society organisations condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms possible. We demand that the relevant authorities take immediate and decisive action to investigate this incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.”
The group called on the Edo state government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other law enforcement agencies to “conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the killings, identify and prosecute the perpetrators and provide adequate compensation and support to the families of the victims.
“We also urge the Federal Government to take concrete steps to address the rising wave of violence and insecurity nationwide. Enough is enough. The federal and state governments must ensure that only those licensed to carry arms do so.
“As we mourn the loss of innocent lives, we must also demand justice and accountability. We will continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or geographical location.”
*CISLAC lauds Okpebholo over suspension of vigilance groups
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has lauded Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo for his swift and decisive actions following the recent killing of 16 people in Uromi.
In a statement in Lagos yesterday, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, expressed support for the governor’s handling of the incident, which he described as horrific.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor visited the victims’ families to offer his condolences and assure them of his commitment to justice.
Okpebholo also announced the suspension of all the vigilance groups in the state and relieved Friday Ibadin, Commander of the State Security Corps, of his post.
NAN also reports that the governor took the measure after it was revealed that the vigilance group responsible for the killings was operating illegally.
“As a civil society organisation dedicated to promoting good governance, rule of law and protection of human rights, CISLAC supports the governor’s actions, especially disbanding unregulated vigilance groups that seriously threaten public safety and rule of law.
“The organisation commends the governor for taking a firm stance in ensuring that all security organisations operate within legal frameworks, thus fostering an environment where citizens’ rights are upheld.
“We commend the swift investigation by the Edo State Government, which has already led to the arrest of 14 suspects.
“We also welcome the assurance from President Bola Tinubu that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served,” he said.
Rafsanjani also applauded Okpebholo’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their families, emphasising that the perpetrators should be apprehended and prosecuted.
“The collaboration between the Edo and Kano State Governments is also hailed as an exemplary model for other Nigerian leaders, showcasing the importance of unity, compassion and decisive leadership during times of tragedy.
“This tragedy should serve as a reminder of the need for strong leadership and cross-regional solidarity.
“CISLAC acknowledges Governor Okpebholo’s efforts as a significant step to fostering peace and solidarity between the northern and southern regions of Nigeria, particularly when such incidents can easily sow division,” he said.
The executive director equally commended the people of Edo, especially those in Uromi, for risking their lives to save some victims.
“Their brave actions reflect the values of empathy, courage and unity that transcend ethnic and regional boundaries, further emphasising the collective spirit that binds Nigerians together,” he stated.
