Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Wednesday, visited Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, offering condolences and financial support to the families of the 16 travellers slain in Uromi, Esan North East LGA of Edo State.
Barau met with the grieving families, hailing from Bunkure, Kibiya, Rano, and Garko LGAs, at the At-Taqwa Mosque in Sabon Fegi, Bunkure LGA.
Accompanying the Senate Deputy President were the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the Managing Director of the North West Development Commission, Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, and other dignitaries.
A statement released by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Ismail Mudashir, and made available to The PUNCH, detailed the visit.
The DSP assured the families of the deceased hunters that justice would be served, reiterating that the perpetrators would face the full weight of the law.
He disclosed that, in addition to the previously apprehended 14 suspects, two more individuals had been arrested in connection with the killings.
Kano CSOs appeal for calm over killing of 16 travellers in Edo
To alleviate the families’ hardship, Senator Barau announced a donation of N1 million to each of the 16 bereaved families, totalling N16 million.
Furthermore, he pledged to sponsor a motion on the matter when the Senate reconvenes later this month.
“I am here to express my deepest sympathies for the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 16 of our brothers last Thursday. May Allah grant them Jannatul Firdaus and provide swift recovery to those injured,” Senator Barau stated.
“The incident deeply troubled me. I immediately contacted the state governor, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders. They acted promptly, leading to the arrest of 14 suspects initially, and subsequently, two more. The state governor, who visited me in Abuja, has assured me of the state government’s support,” he added.
“We will not treat this matter lightly. We are committed to ensuring that the culprits are brought to book and face the full force of the law,” Senator Barau affirmed.
Speaking on behalf of the families, the Chief Imam of the area, Sheikh Zainul Abidina Auwal, expressed gratitude to Senator Barau for his efforts in pursuing justice and lauded him as a leader vital for the nation’s progress
