Opinion: Governor Okpebholo’s humane response to a constricted tragedy

Okpebholo with Kano State Gov., Abba Yusuf

The anger, the aghast, and the agony that greeted the Uromi pogrom remain in heightened crescendo, an unrelenting dirge echoing through the land. Families mourn their fallen, and the air is thick with lamentations, while commentaries emerge in diverse tones—some furious, others contemplative, yet all demanding justice. Amidst the turmoil, however, stands a man whose actions reflect the truest tenets of governance: Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.

Discarding the veil of political platitudes, the governor responded with what can only be described as ‘a humane answer to a constricted tragedy.’ His first move was an official release through the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikilor. The statement bore the weight of sorrow yet radiated resolve. It did not merely condemn the heinous act but served as a balm to the wounded souls of the aggrieved and bereaved. It was not empty rhetoric but a declaration of justice in motion. In swift reprimand, the state sanctioned the bloodthirsty vigilantes responsible, labeling their actions unlawful and arresting not only their leader but several perpetrators of the crime. This response from the Edo State Government is not just a reaction but a precedent—a template of governance in times of crisis. Okpebholor’s diplomacy and leadership under fire should serve as a beacon to other states. Governance is not about power wielded in grandeur; it is about the stewardship of responsibility.

Governance is often judged not by words but by actions. The Edo State Government, in this instance, has turned statements into tangible steps, proving that responsibility is not a burden to be evaded but a call to be answered. The head of the vigilante group has been suspended and arrested, while fourteen others have also been apprehended, with an active manhunt underway for the remaining culprits. The government has reached out to the Hausa community, the Kano State Government, and the families of the victims. Given that the attackers operated as a vigilante force, there is a likelihood of compensation for the bereaved families. In addition, the government has unequivocally affirmed the innocence of the victims, offering no excuses or rationalizations for the atrocity, and Governor Okpebholo himself has personally visited the families in Kano, demonstrating a level of empathy rarely seen in political circles.

Yet, in this unfolding tragedy, a pressing question remains: where was the police? A massacre of such magnitude should have met with immediate intervention. The deafening silence of law enforcement at the peak of the carnage is an indictment that cannot be ignored. Whoever was in charge of police operations in that area must be held accountable. The Inspector General of Police must ensure that answers are given, for justice delayed is justice denied.

What is certain is that justice will be served. Arrests will be made, and measures will be put in place to ensure such a tragedy does not repeat itself. Yet, for the families who have lost their sons, brothers, and fathers, justice—though necessary—is an imperfect remedy. It cannot breathe life into the fallen; it cannot replace the warmth of their presence.

This moment in Edo State’s history is not just about tragedy; it is about the moral obligations of leadership. Governor Okpebholo has shown that governance, when imbued with conscience, can be a force of healing. It is now left to others to learn from this moment, lest history repeats itself with another lamentation of innocent blood.

Responsively musing

Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice is the Dean, musing school of thought.