By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has ordered thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of Miss Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a 100-level student of the Department of Microbiology, University of Benin (UNIBEN), in Ikpoba Hill axis of Benin City, the state capital.
Miss Omozuwa was alleged to have been raped after her head was smashed with a fire extinguisher at a Pentecostal church in Benin, which consequently led to her death.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said Governor Obaseki has mandated the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other relevant security agencies to fish out the culprits, who perpetrated the dastardly act and bring them to justice.
“The governor is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Miss Vera Uwaila Omozuwa. We have been in consultation with the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and have mandated thorough investigation of the matter to ensure that those who are responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice.”
He added that the state government would ensure that the full weight of the law run its course and that the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law and other such laws related to rape and sexual abuse are exploited to get justice for the deceased.
Similarly, Obaseki has expressed sadness and shock over the dastardly murder of a former Commissioner for Youths and Sports and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr. Presley Ediagbonya, by kidnappers.
In a statement, Obaseki called on the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other security agencies to spare no expense in ensuring that the perpetrators of the heinous act are apprehended and promptly brought to justice.
The governor, who described the death as sad and extremely painful, extended his heartfelt sympathy to the Ediagbonya family as well as the APC in Edo State.
According to him, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Mr. Presley Ediagbonya, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, who was said to have been murdered by his abductors days after his kidnap.
“I call on all security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Police to spare no expense in fishing out the culprits and I can assure you that as a government, we will stop at nothing to ensure that justice is done.
We will make no distinction between the kidnappers who committed this act and those who harbour them.
“The late Ediagbonya was a gentleman that worked assiduously for a better society, contributing his quota to development. He consistently distinguished himself and will be greatly missed by all.”