Senator Dickson Warns Against Ethnic Profiling Following Edo Massacre

ABUJA/Nigeria: The Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Senator Seriake Dickson, has strongly condemned the killing of 16 northern travellers in Edo State, describing the act as unacceptable and calling for swift justice.

The former Bayelsa State governor expressed his outrage in a strongly worded statement obtained from his verified Facebook account, which he personally signed.

Senator Dickson, while commending the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his proactive response, urged the state government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure the prosecution of those responsible, and provide compensation to the victims’ families.

“I am saddened by reports of the killing of 16 northern travellers in Edo State, and I condemn it in very strong terms. It is unacceptable and condemnable for even one person to be killed, let alone sixteen, in a single occurrence,” he stated.

He further lamented that the tragic incident occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, a period when Muslims travel to celebrate with loved ones. “It is also very painful that this unfortunate incident occurred during the Holy Month of Ramadan when Muslims mark the end of the fasting period with festivities, travelling across to celebrate with friends and families,” he added.

Dickson extended his condolences to the bereaved families, saying, “I had earlier sent out congratulatory messages to felicitate with all Muslims following the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. In respect of this sad incident, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.”

Reiterating his call for justice, he said, “While I commend the Edo State Governor, my brother, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his proactive measures and the steps he has taken, I call on the state government and the Nigerian security agencies to thoroughly investigate this matter and hold those responsible to account. I also call for the prosecution of those responsible and urge compensation for the families of the victims.”

Senator Dickson also acknowledged efforts by northern leaders to maintain calm in the wake of the killings. “I must also commend my brothers, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Senator Barau Jibrin, the Emir, the Sultan of Sokoto, and other northern leaders for their statements calling for calm. I join in that call, urging that those responsible for this horrible act should face severe punishment,” he insisted.

Warning against ethnic profiling and reprisal attacks, he emphasized the need for national unity. “There should be no collective criminalization or demonization of any group of Nigerians, ethnic profiling, or reprisal attacks. That was why, when I was governor, even at the height of the herdsmen crisis, we insisted on law and order and ensured that Bayelsa State was safe and free for everyone subject to the laws of the state.”

He cautioned against divisive narratives, stating, “Those who profile Nigerians according to ethnic group and criminalize and insult whole tribes are inviting the Rwandan experience, which I always preach against. We must isolate and punish criminals wherever they are found and whoever they are. In Nigeria, everyone has a right to freedom of movement and should be protected. Everyone has the right to go about their business and feel safe while doing so.”

Urging leaders to foster unity, Dickson concluded, “I call on all leaders to de-escalate tensions and work for unity and mutual coexistence of all Nigerians, founded on justice and respect for the rights of all citizens as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and laws.”