Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to the families of victims of the recent killings in Uromi, Edo State.

The governor assured the bereaved families and the people of Kano State that justice will be served. Most of the victims are reportedly from Kano State.

Speaking during the visit, Okpebholo described the attack as unfortunate and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“I was deeply touched when I received the news of the incident at night. By 4:00 am, I left Abuja and rushed to Uromi to meet with the affected families. During my campaign, your people supported me, and I stand with you in this time of grief. I extend my condolences to the people of Kano State and pray for the eternal rest of the victims’ souls.

“We have made significant progress in our investigations. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not happy about this incident and has directed security agencies to go after the culprits. I can assure you that justice will prevail.

“So far, about 14 suspects have been arrested, and after the holiday, they will be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation. More arrests will follow as investigations continue,” Okpebholo stated.

In response, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, commended Okpebholo for his swift intervention and support to the bereaved families.

“We appreciate the Governor of Edo State for his prompt response to this tragic event. It is well known that our people were returning from Port Harcourt when they were brutally murdered. The majority of the victims were from two local governments in Kano State.

“Governor Okpebholo immediately visited the scene, ensured that the corpses were retrieved, and arranged for their proper burial.

“He also made commitments to support the affected families, and I can confirm that he has fulfilled those promises.

“We trust his assurance that the culprits will be brought to book, as justice remains our utmost priority. The people of Kano are peaceful and hospitable. This tragedy serves as a lesson to all, and I urge all leaders across Nigeria to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens, regardless of their location. Governor Okpebholo’s visit today is a mark of true leadership, and we appreciate his gesture.”

Speaking on behalf of the Arewa community in Edo State, Badamasi Sally reaffirmed the longstanding cordial relationship between the northern community and Edo people, emphasizing that the unfortunate event should not be used to tarnish the State’s image.

“I was born and raised in Edo State, and we have always maintained a peaceful relationship with the people here. This incident should not be used to create division or smear the reputation of the Edo State Government. The swift response of the state government was commendable. Moreover, it was the people of Uromi who rescued some of the victims from the assailants. This tragedy will not change our bond with the people of Edo,” the Kano governor said.

Fred Akhigbe, leader of the Edo community in Kano, also expressed appreciation for Governor Okpebholo’s visit, urging both communities to maintain peace and unity.

“We are grateful to the governor of Edo State for personally coming to Kano to express his condolences. When this tragic incident happened, there was apprehension, but we are reassured by the swift actions taken by both state governments. We sympathize with the people of Kano State and pray for the victims.

“I have lived in Kano for 52 years, and we must remember that we are all one. There is no need for conflict between us. We commend both governors for their leadership and commitment to justice.”

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reassured residents that the ongoing political crisis will ultimately make them stronger, not weaker.

He made this remark while hosting Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt as part of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

Speaking to the delegation, Fubara encouraged them and his supporters to remain steadfast and trust in God’s plan, saying, “This season represents love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made great sacrifices through your prayers.

“As Christians, we believe everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe this situation is guiding us toward a greater one.”

Fubara admitted the crisis may be disheartening but suggested it could be guided by higher forces.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, emphasizing his vision for a society free from oppression.

He assured the Muslims that their pending requests would be addressed after the political situation stabilizes.

Urging patience and perseverance, he drew a biblical analogy saying, “If God could be patient with Noah, allowing even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains essential in our struggle.”

He warned against those inciting violence through provocative acts, urging his supporters and Rivers people to reject elements seeking to destabilize the state.

“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their livelihoods.

“We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constituted authority to ensure Rivers remains a model for others in Nigeria.”

Representing the Muslim Ummah, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor expressed unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and solidarity amid the ongoing political crisis.

Uhor highlighted that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Fubara because of his commitment to inclusive governance.

Unlike the previous administration, which declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, he praised Fubara for acknowledging the state’s Christian majority while fostering religious inclusivity.

He encouraged the governor to remain resolute, emphasizing that challenges like these are consistent with Islamic teachings, where believers are tested through wealth, power and authority.

He further urged President Bola Tinubu to reassess the emergency rule in Rivers State and reinstate Fubara’s full authority, arguing that the governor has continued to lead effectively despite the political turmoil.

Washington, DC [US], March 31 (ANI): President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin: cooperate on ending the ukraine“>Ukraine war or face additional tariffs on Russian oil, CNN reported.

In a phone interview with the NBC news, Trump stated he’s “pissed off” with Putin’s actions and may impose additional tariffs on Russian oil if if Putin doesn’t cooperate in ongoing negotiations to end his war in ukraine“>Ukraine.

“I was very angry — pissed off — when Putin started getting into Zelensky’s credibility, because that’s not going in the right location, you understand?” Trump said in the interview with “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker.

“But new leadership means you’re not gonna have a deal for a long time, right?” Trump said.

Trump further warned that a failure to reach a deal could result in significant consequences, including secondary tariffs on Russian oil, as per CNN.

“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in ukraine“>Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia‘s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia‘s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” he said.

When asked if he’d speak with Putin this week, Trump said yes, but only if Putin “does the right thing,” adding that he told Welker that Putin is aware he is angry.

During the interview, he also sent a striking warning to Iran, stating that if the Islamic Republic fails to reach an agreement with the United States over its nuclear program, it will face severe consequences, including ‘possible bombings’ and secondary tariffs.

Further, Trump also mentioned Iran and sent a striking warning to Iran of possible bombings and secondary tariffs if the Islamic Republic does not reach an agreement with the United States over its nuclear program.

“If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing,” Trump said.

Iran’s president responded by rejecting negotiations with the US, marking Tehran’s first response to a letter Trump sent to the country’s supreme leader. Trump also mentioned the possibility of reimposing economic pressure, similar to his past actions.

“There’s a chance that if they don’t make a deal, that I will do secondary tariffs on them like I did four years ago,” Trump told “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker.

During his first term, Trump pulled the US out of a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, a pact that imposed strict limitations on Tehran’s contentious nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. (ANI)