The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), yesterday, commended the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for his efforts in dousing tensions and calming frayed nerves in the face of the Uromi killings.
  
Recall that about 16 Northern travellers were, on Thursday, March 26, murdered by a mob, who mistook the traditional hunters from Kano for kidnappers that have been terrorising some parts of the state recently.
    
In a statement issued yesterday, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, expressed satisfaction with the governor’s suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police, and the banning of illegal vigilante groups within the state.
  
The Commission, however, cautioned that a lot still needs to be done to ensure justice for the victims and prevent a repeat of the ugly scenario in the future.
   
“We commend the Edo State Governor for his swift action in suspending the Edo State Security Corps CP Friday Ibadin (rtd) Commander and banning illegal vigilante groups in the state.

“More needs to be done to ensure justice for the victims and prevent such tragedies in the future,” Ojukwu stated. The Commission’s boss also warned against resorting to self-help and jungle justice by Nigerians, noting that the right to life is well captured in both the country’s Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
  
Similarly, he underscored the victims’ rights to freedom of movement as equally enshrined in the Nigerian and international human rights laws and their sanctity.
 
The NHRC urged that relevant authorities should take legal steps towards arresting and prosecuting those found culpable in the dastardly act.
MEANWHILE, the Kano State Government, has dispatched a high-powered delegation to engage with the Edo State Government and the Hausa Community in Edo over the Uromi killings.
  
Governor Abba Yusuf, in a live broadcast, condemned the barbaric act and assured the people of Kano that his administration would relentlessly pursue justice for the victims. The delegation, scheduled to depart yesterday, will work to ensure justice is served and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
 
Yusuf also confirmed that all affected individuals would receive full compensation.
According to him, the Edo State Governor has assured him that most of the suspected culprits have been apprehended, with investigations ongoing.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding and refrain from any acts of retaliation, emphasising Kano’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country.