The Acting Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has expressed strong condemnation over the killing of a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, in Ikabigbo, Etsako West Local Government Area of the State. In response, he led government officials and security agency heads to Ikabigbo and called for calm among the residents.
During his visit, Shaibu extended his condolences to the Head of Ikabigbo Community, Aleghe Braimah; the family of a member of the Edo Vigilante Network, Yusuf Nurudeen, who lost his life while attempting to rescue the priest, and the Ogieneni of Uzairue, Kadiri Omogbai.
He said, “The attack that claimed the lives of Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia and a vigilante member at St. Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo in Etsako West Local Government Area was unfortunate, he said. He said he got reports from people who witnessed the incident and promised the distressed community that justice would be done for the victims.
He expressed his grief over the loss of the clergyman and the vigilante, but also his appreciation for the efforts of the youth, the vigilante group, and the hunters. He praised the police and the military for their swift response. He said they were very sorry for losing their loved ones.
He added: “We had to come and see the situation for ourselves. We have some information already. I ordered the military to stay in the bush and search the forest last night. They are still there as we speak because we want to ensure that none of the perpetrators gets away.”
He said they would also examine what happened here carefully because Edo State had been relatively peaceful. He said they would not tolerate these troublemakers to come into their state and disturb the peace that they had been enjoying. He said Edo would be too hot for them. He said they would evaluate what happened to know how to fix it,”
Expressing his grief over the loss of both the reverend father and the vigilante member, Shaibu praised the youth, vigilante groups, and hunters for their prompt response. He also commended the police and the military for their immediate action. He emphasized that the culprits will not escape justice, as the military remains on the ground, combing the forest.
Shaibu affirmed that Edo State has been relatively peaceful and the government will not allow these criminals to disrupt the existing peace. He reassured the community that the state will not tolerate such acts and will take necessary measures to prevent recurrence.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, provided further assurance to the community members and the families of the casualties. He affirmed that the security agencies will relentlessly pursue the criminals until they are apprehended. Yaro urged the community to collaborate with the police and encouraged individuals to act within the confines of the law to avoid legal complications.
