Uromi Killings: Barau Donates ₦16m to Victims’ Families

Uromi Killings: Deputy Senate President Barau Visits Victims’ Families in Kano, Donates ₦16 Million

KANO — The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has visited the families of the 16 travelers brutally murdered in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, offering condolences and financial support. During his visit to Bunkure Local Government Area in Kano State on April 2, 2025, Barau donated ₦16 million, providing ₦1 million to each bereaved family to alleviate their suffering.

Details of the Visit

1. Meeting with Families:
   • The families of the deceased hailed from Bunkure, Kibiya, Rano, and Garko Local Government Areas in Kano State.
   • The meeting took place at the At-Taqwa Mosque in Sabon Fegi, Bunkure LGA, where Barau expressed his deepest sympathies.
2. Dignitaries Present:
   • Barau was accompanied by notable figures, including the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, and the Managing Director of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji.
3. Donation to Families:
   • Senator Barau announced a donation of ₦1 million to each of the 16 families, totaling ₦16 million, as a gesture to ease their pain and hardship following the tragedy.

Commitment to Justice

1. Reassurance to Families:
   • Senator Barau reassured the grieving families that justice would be served. He confirmed that security agencies had arrested 16 suspects, including two additional individuals apprehended recently in connection with the killings.
   • He pledged to sponsor a motion on the matter when the Senate resumes later this month to ensure accountability and justice.
2. Collaboration with Edo State Government:
   • Barau revealed that Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo had assured him of full support for the victims’ families during a visit to his residence in Abuja.

Statements from Leaders

• Senator Barau’s Remarks:
  “I am here to sympathize with you over the tragic incident that led to the death of 16 of our brothers last Thursday. May Allah grant them Jannatul Firdaus and quicken the recovery of those injured. We will not take this matter lightly; we are committed to ensuring that the culprits are brought to book and face the full force of the law.”
• Chief Imam’s Response:
  Speaking on behalf of the families, Sheikh Zainul Abidina Auwal thanked Senator Barau for his efforts in pursuing justice and described him as a leader vital for Nigeria’s progress.

Civil Society’s Call for Action

• The Civil Society Organisation on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI) condemned the killings and urged both state and federal governments to take decisive action.
• CSCHEI demanded compensation for families and additional support such as legal assistance, medical care, and psychological aid for victims’ families.

Public Reaction

• The visit has been widely praised as a compassionate gesture by Senator Barau, with many calling for quicker prosecution of suspects and stronger measures against mob violence in Nigeria.

Conclusion

Senator Barau’s visit underscores efforts by political leaders to address the aftermath of the Uromi killings. His financial support and commitment to justice provide some solace to grieving families while highlighting broader concerns about insecurity and mob violence in Nigeria.