President Bola Tinubu has strongly denounced the brutal killing of hunters, mistaken for kidnappers, by vigilantes in the Uromi community of Esan North Local Government, Edo State. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, prompted a swift response from the president, who expressed dismay at the violent act.
In a statement released on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu directed police and security agencies to launch an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the killings. He urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. "President Tinubu extends his condolences to the families of the victims and assures them that such criminal acts will not go unpunished," the statement read in part. It emphasized his stance that "jungle justice has no place in Nigeria" and reaffirmed the right of all Nigerians to move freely across the country.
Tinubu also praised Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Uromi community leaders for their quick actions in preventing further escalation of tensions following the incident.
The Edo State Police Command reported that the victims, totaling 16 travelers, were attacked by a mob suspecting them of being criminals. The group, identified as hunters, was traveling in a truck (registration KKF 225 XA) from Elele, Rivers State, when they were intercepted by vigilantes in Uromi. Some of the travelers were carrying locally made dane guns, leading to their arrest by the vigilante group. However, the situation spiraled out of control when an alarm was raised, branding them as kidnappers. This incited a mob, including vigilantes and bystanders, to lynch 16 of the travelers and set their truck ablaze.
Police from the Uromi Division responded promptly, rescuing 10 of the travelers, two of whom sustained injuries and are now receiving treatment in a hospital, where they are showing positive recovery. The police have arrested 14 suspects linked to the killings. According to Moses Yamu, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, "An emergency meeting with stakeholders and community members was held to address the situation." A unit of Police Mobile Force personnel, alongside other tactical teams, has been deployed to maintain order and prevent further unrest. The police continue their investigation and have warned against reprisal attacks.
The Northern Senators Forum also condemned the killings, expressing deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement by Chairman Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the group highlighted that the victims were stereotyped as "Fulani kidnappers" while traveling to northern Nigeria. "This tragic event is a gross violation of the victims’ fundamental human rights," the forum stated, calling on the Edo State government to take decisive action.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with authorities and leaders emphasizing the need for justice and an end to mob violence in Nigeria.
