Fourteen suspects arrested over the brutal killing of hunters from Kano State in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, have been transferred to Abuja for further interrogation, the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, has confirmed.

The victims were on their way to Kano for Sallah celebrations when they were attacked by a mob, their vehicle ransacked, and murdered last Thursday.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage, with calls for swift justice.

Governor Okpebholo assured that the perpetrators would face the full weight of the law, describing the attack as unacceptable.

“It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy. The president is doing something drastic about this. He’s not happy also. The IGP has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects.

“So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased,” he said.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, stressed the need for justice, stating that the suspects must be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

“We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want — all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction.

And I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected.

“I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the facts.

“If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere.

“And this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again.

“I thank you very much. You’ve told me now that you’ll meet the Kano State governor today. This is very good. Please continue what you are doing. Mr President also told us that you are doing very well in this direction, and we have seen it because, as I said, we have spoken several times on this matter in the last 72 hours,” Jibrin said.

Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring peace and working with security agencies to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.