JUNGLE JUSTICE: Condemnation Trails Gruesome Murder of 16 Northern Travelers in Edo…..As Tinubu, Okpebholo Order Probe
The gruesome mob killing of 16 northern travelers in Uromi, Edo State, has sparked nationwide outrage, with political leaders, human rights organizations, and community groups condemning the act and calling for justice.
PRNigeria earlier reported that at least 16 northerners traveling for Sallah were burned to death by a mob in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State on Thursday. The victims, identified as hunters, were intercepted by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes.
After searching their vehicle and discovering dane guns commonly used by hunters, the security operatives accused them of being kidnappers. A mob in the community later set them ablaze, leading to widespread condemnation.
“Barbaric and Condemnable” – Okpebholo
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo reacted to the incident, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He vowed that the perpetrators would face justice.
Speaking in Uromi through the Chief Security Officer of Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, the governor said he visited the community to assess the situation and ensure a thorough investigation is conducted to prevent a recurrence.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had boarded a commercial truck and were stopped by local security operatives who, upon searching the vehicle, found some guns. This discovery led to the mob attack by people in the vicinity.
“No one has the right to take another person’s life,” Okpebholo warned. “The nature of this barbaric killing is deeply concerning to the government.”
He assured that those responsible would be held accountable and confirmed that four suspects had already been arrested.
“I can assure you that those involved in this unprovoked attack will not go scot-free, as His Excellency has directed the Commissioner of Police to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter,” he added.
The governor also urged calm, assuring law-abiding residents, particularly the Hausa community, that security forces had been deployed to maintain peace and normalcy in Uromi.
“Perpetrators Will Be Punished” – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu expressed shock over the gruesome killings and directed the police and other security agencies to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He extended his condolences to the victims’ families and assured them that criminals would not be allowed to shed innocent blood without consequences.
“Jungle justice has no place in Nigeria,” the President stated, emphasizing that all Nigerians have the right to move freely across the country.
Tinubu also commended Governor Okpebholo and Uromi community leaders for their prompt response in preventing further escalation of tension.
“Unfortunate Incident” – Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the incident as unfortunate and demanded a transparent investigation to ensure justice.
“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. This unfortunate incident demands a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and ensure those responsible are brought to book,” he said in a social media post.
He urged authorities to act swiftly to prevent further instances of jungle justice and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
“Justice Will Surely Be Served” – Senator Barau
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin strongly condemned the brutal murder, calling it an act of barbarism. He urged security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
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Barau emphasized the need for unity among Nigerians, stressing that such incidents threaten national progress and development. He also pledged to sponsor a motion in the Senate to address the tragedy and ensure justice for the victims.
“A Sad Reminder of Jungle Justice” – Kwankwaso
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the last general elections, also denounced the killings, calling them a “harrowing display of mob injustice and a sad reminder of the barbarity of jungle justice.”
Kwankwaso urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute those responsible.
“All Nigerians must be able to move about freely without intimidation or harassment,” he stated.
He also extended condolences to the victims’ families, the government of Kano State, and other affected states, praying for the souls of those lost in the tragedy.
“Perpetrators Must Be Brought to Justice” – Amnesty International
Human rights organization Amnesty International strongly condemned the attack, urging Nigerian authorities to take decisive action beyond mere condemnation.
“The horrific mob violence at Uromi is part of a rising trend of vigilante groups unlawfully blocking highways and carrying out attacks with impunity,” Amnesty International said. “The failure of authorities to investigate and prosecute such cases highlights a shocking disregard for their duty to protect citizens.”
The group called for effective measures to prevent further incidents of mob violence and ensure justice for victims, emphasizing the need for better-equipped security agencies to protect innocent lives.
“A Horrifying Display of Mob Injustice” – Arewa Youths
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) also condemned the brutal killings, calling them a horrifying act fueled by false accusations and ignorance.
In a statement by AYCF President General Shettima Yerima in Kaduna, the group demanded immediate investigations and swift prosecution of the perpetrators.
“We stand united in our outrage and condemnation of the horrific events in Uromi, where 16 innocent travelers from Northern Nigeria lost their lives due to a horrifying display of mob injustice,” the statement read.
“We demand that the authorities take decisive action against those responsible for inciting and participating in this heinous crime. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore faith in our justice system.”
The AYCF also urged the Hausa community to remain calm and resist retaliation, calling for justice through legal means.
“We recognize the pain and anger this incident has caused, but we urge our brothers and sisters to remain peaceful while seeking justice lawfully. We must build a society where dialogue and understanding prevail over violence and ignorance.”
The forum pledged its support in advocating for the rights of the affected community and ensuring such tragedies never happen again.
A reoccurring incident
PRNigeria reports that the killing of North-bound freight drivers and their passengers has become a recurring pattern.
In early March, the Plateau State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (Heavy Truck) staged a protest against the frequent attacks on their members in the South.
According to the union, more than 20 drivers were brutally killed between January and December 2024, while their trucks were either set ablaze or vandalized in communities such as Ehobey, Okigwe, and Isoche in Imo State.
Despite their peaceful protest and calls for government intervention, members of the union and even journalists from Daily Trust who covered the demonstration were allegedly harassed by the State Security Service (SSS).
Nonetheless , the Uromi killings have once again highlighted the dangers of mob violence and the urgent need for accountability. As security agencies intensify their investigations, Nigerians await justice for the victims and assurances that such brutality will never be repeated.
By PRNigeria
