The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, arrived at the Kano State Government House on Monday to condole with the government and families of the 16 victims killed in Uromi, Edo State, last week.

His visit comes amid growing outrage in northern Nigeria over what many see as a targeted attack on traders from the region.

The victims, mostly from Kano and other northern states, were reportedly ambushed and killed in Uromi, a town in Edo’s Esan North-East Local Government Area.

The killings have sparked anger in northern Nigeria, with protests erupting in Kano, Katsina, and parts of Kaduna as citizens demand justice and better security for northerners residing in the South.

In Kano, youth groups and community leaders have accused the Edo State government of not doing enough to prevent such attacks, calling for swift action to apprehend the perpetrators.

During his visit, Governor Monday Okpebholo assured the Kano State government that his administration was working with security agencies to investigate the killings and bring those responsible to justice.

He also expressed sympathy for the bereaved families, emphasizing that violence against any ethnic or religious group must not be tolerated.

His visit comes as pressure mounts on both state and federal authorities to address growing concerns over ethnic tensions and insecurity across the country.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has warned that he will remove form office any traditional ruler in whose domain violence re-occurs.

This is as Governor Adeleke warned of stern state action against traditional rulers of Ifon, Erin Osun and Ilobu communities if they fail to sustain current peace and de-escalation of the crisis in their communities.

Governor Adeleke’s warning was contained in a statement issued by Olawale Rasheed, his spokesperson, on Monday in Osogbo.

DAILY POST gathered that the warning was issued against the backdrop of online reports that some faceless groups across the conflict areas were planning another round of attacks.

The statement reads, “In the midst of Sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun towns. The security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place.

“The security agencies are also speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains and actors in the conflict. I will remind top leaders of the towns that the peace undertaking they are signing are not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.

“The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas. Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.

“Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.

The state government had earlier relaxed a 24 hour indefinite curfew earlier imposed on the three earring communities for the Eid-el-Fitr festival.

The state government in the wake of renewed communal clashes that has claimed lives and destroyed goods and properties worth millions of Naira had imposed curfew in Ifon, Ilobu and Erin-Osun towns towards the third week of March, 2025.

The Police Force Gombe State Command has confirmed the death of two children following a stampede at the Gombe main Eid Ground.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Gombe.

According to Abdullahi, the incident occurred at about 10:45 a.m. at the exit gate of the Eid Ground, immediately after the conclusion of Eid prayers.

“The stampede was caused by inadequate exit access, as a large crowd, primarily women and children, rushed to leave the venue.

“The situation, worsened by intense heat, led to the unfortunate incident,” he said.

He said that 22 individuals were affected and were immediately taken to hospitals for medical attention.

“Regrettably, two of the victims, a four-year-old boy, and six months-old baby girl, were pronounced dead by doctors while receiving treatment,” Abdullahi added.

He extended the command’s condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“The police urge Eid Ground managers to ensure that all entrance and exit gates remain open to facilitate smooth movement, especially after prayers,” he advised.

In a related development, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has condoled with the families of the deceased and those affected by the tragedy.

In a statement issued by his media aide on Sunday, the governor directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the stampede, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.

“The safety and well-being of our citizens remain a top priority. The state government is committed to learning from this incident and implementing corrective measures,” Yahaya said.

He also directed that all medical expenses for the injured victims be fully covered by the state government to ensure their recovery and well-being.

(NAN)