The Edo State Government has debunked claims by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) alleging that Governor Monday Okpebholo approved N6 billion as compensation to so-called “Fulani terrorists” following the recent Uromi killings.
In a strongly-worded statement on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, described the accusation as a reckless falsehood designed to incite ethnic conflict and destabilise the peace of Edo State.
The controversy stems from the events of 28 March, when sixteen hunters from Kano State were killed in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi. In the aftermath, Governor Okpebholo visited Kano to sympathise with the families of the victims and appeal for calm, while a delegation from Kano later travelled to Edo to engage in peace discussions.
IPOB, in a statement released on 21 April, alleged that the Governor had secretly approved a N6 billion compensation package to appease the bereaved families a claim which the Edo State Government swiftly dismissed as baseless and inflammatory.
“There is no truth whatsoever in the claim that Governor Monday Okpebholo approved or paid N6 billion to any group,” Itua said. “This is a fictitious and malicious lie concocted by IPOB to sow seeds of discord and destabilise the harmony we have nurtured in Edo State.”
The government warned that IPOB’s repeated attempts to manipulate public sentiment and incite ethnic hostility under the cover of activism would not succeed in Edo State.
“It has become a known tactic of this proscribed group to exploit tragic situations to spread hate and misinformation,” the statement added. “Their agenda of violence and ethnic disintegration has no place here.”
Emphasising its commitment to unity, security and justice for all residents, the Edo State Government reaffirmed its stance against any form of ethnic or religious discrimination.
The statement also urged security agencies to investigate the source of the inciting publication and prosecute those behind it, stressing that public order and peace must not be jeopardised by dangerous propaganda.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to justice, peace and the protection of all Edo people, regardless of background,” the government declared. “We will continue to uphold the values of unity, tolerance and truth in the face of reckless attempts to destabilise our state.”
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