A former Chairman of Esan North East Local Government Council, Hon. John Yakubu on Saturday strongly condemned the violent mob action carried out against a group of travelers by a local vigilante group along the Uromi-Obajana Road in Edo State.
In a statement personally signed by Hon. John Yakubu and made available to journalists in Benin, the former Esan North-East local government council boss, condemned the action and cautioned against Jungle justice.
Yakubu, who is a foremost Aspirant for the Edo Central Senatorial ticket under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the by- election in the district, urged the state government to ensure a thorough investigation into the killing so as to unravel what led to the brutal act and ensure those involved are prosecuted.
The aspirant expressed shock over the incident, stressing that without allowing for due process or proper investigation into their claims, the vigilante group subjected some of the travellers to unlawful mob justice, resulting in tragic consequences.
While sympathizing with the families of the victims, the PDP senatorial by-election Aspirant noted that human life is sacred and tasked government on the protection of lives and property in the state.
He called on security agencies to investigate the issue and ensure justice is served to avoid a repetition of jungle justice in the state.
Yakubu added that justice must not only be carried out but must be seen to be served to restore public confidence in our security institutions.
He prayed God to grant the souls of the departed rest in peace and comfort the bereaved families, who lost their loved ones in the incident the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
In the melee, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement, warning against reprisal attacks or unlawful gathering.
According to the police, the victims were among 25 travellers from Elele, Rivers State, intercepted by a local vigilante group in Uromi.
