President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of hunters by local vigilantes in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Spear News eports that members of local vigilante group at a village in Uromi reportedly apprehended and murdered 16 travellers on Thursday who were travelling from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Kano for the Sallah celebrations.
It was gathered that the local security personnel had mistaken the travellers to be kidnappers after discovering cache of dane guns in the vehicle that was conveying the northerners to their destination.
In a statement issued on Thursday, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, the President expressed shock over the incident and directed security agencies to launch a swift investigation to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
He assured the victims’ families that justice would be served, emphasizing that criminals would not be allowed to take innocent lives without consequences.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria, stressing that every citizen has the right to move freely across the country.
The President commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and community leaders in Uromi for their prompt intervention to prevent further escalation of tensions.
Meanwhile, security agencies have been deployed to the area to maintain peace and ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo,
has also condemned in strong terms, the tragic killings in Uromi.
Governor Okpebholo who visited the scene of the incident visited, expressed deep shock and strongly condemned the killings. He assured the public that justice would be served.
“There is no justification for taking the law into one’s hands. Law enforcement must be left to statutory agencies,” he said.
The Governor directed the police and other security agencies to investigate. He ordered a thorough and swift probe. All those responsible must face justice. He also urged the community to work with security agencies.
Governor Okpebholo praised local leaders for their role in calming tensions. He especially commended the Arewa community leadership for their restraint.
Atiku, Kwankwaso Condemn Killing of Travelers in Edo, Demand Justice
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have also joined other Nigerians to condemn the ugly incident in Edo State, demanding justice for the victims and their loved ones.
Atiku expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the victims’ families. “I am deeply saddened by reports of the tragic killing of some hunters in Edo State. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families and loved ones,” he said.
He called for a thorough and transparent investigation, stressing the need for justice. “This unfortunate incident demands a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible are brought to book.
“The protection of innocent lives must remain paramount, and I urge the authorities to act swiftly and decisively to prevent a recurrence of jungle justice,” Atiku added.
On his part, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the last general election, also condemned the killings. In a statement, he described the attack as a “harrowing display of mob injustice and a sad reminder of the barbarity of jungle justice.”
Kwankwaso emphasized that Nigerians must be able to move freely without fear. “It is a general perception that citizens all over the country must be able to move about without intimidation or harassment,” he stated.
He urged authorities to take swift action against the perpetrators. “I appeal to the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this tragic incident and prosecute the offenders,” he said.
The attack, which took place on March 27, 2025, in Udomi Efandion community, Uromi, Edo State, has heightened concerns over security and ethnic tensions.
Kwankwaso also extended condolences to the victims’ families and affected states. “I commiserate with the families of the victims, the government of Kano State, and other states affected by this tragedy. I pray for the souls of those who lost their lives,” he added.
With growing demands for accountability, security agencies are now under pressure to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further incidents of mob violence.
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