Following widespread condemnation over the brutal killing of 16 northern travelers in Uromi, Edo State, the police have arrested 14 individuals in connection with the incident. The victims, reportedly hunters, were attacked by a mob on Thursday while traveling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Kano State for Sallah celebrations.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that vigilantes found 19 locally made firearms in their possession. Unsatisfied with their claim of being hunters, the vigilantes allegedly concluded they were kidnappers, leading to the tragic attack.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from political figures, including the 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who have called for a thorough investigation and justice for the victims.
Atiku, expressing his grief on his X handle, stated: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic killing of hunters in Edo State. My condolences go to their families and loved ones. This unfortunate event calls for a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.”*
Obi also condemned the rising trend of mob killings, emphasizing that such acts have no place in a civilized society. “These tragic incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced security and public awareness to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” he said.
READ ALSO: CDS Condemns Killing of Northern Hunters in Edo State
The Kano State government has urged President Bola Tinubu and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to take swift action to ensure justice is served. In a statement, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, decried the act as a threat to public trust in law enforcement.
*”This horrific act of mob violence is not only a personal tragedy for the affected families but also an alarming reflection of the rise in extrajudicial measures in Nigeria. It undermines the sanctity of human life and erodes public confidence in the state’s ability to uphold law and order,”* the statement read.
The government called for a prompt and transparent investigation to bring all culprits, including any negligent law enforcement officers, to justice.
The Arewa Peoples Congress (APC) also condemned the attack, warning that such violence against northerners would no longer be tolerated. Dr. Yahuza Getso, the group’s National Secretary, described the killings as *”barbaric and a clear sign of rising intolerance and xenophobia in the country.”* He urged the federal government to ensure justice and prevent future occurrences.
Similarly, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) expressed deep sorrow over the killings, describing them as an act of senseless violence based on misinformation.
*”It is heartbreaking to see innocent lives lost due to false accusations. The victims were not criminals but ordinary citizens on a legitimate journey. Mob justice fueled by ignorance is a serious affront to human dignity and decency,”* said Jamilu Charanchi, CNG’s National Coordinator.
The group called on Nigerians to reject mob violence and embrace peaceful dialogue to address security concerns.
