The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and others have condemned the mob attack and killing of northern travellers accused of kidnapping in the state.
HEADLINENEWS earlier reports that no fewer than 16 northerners, who were travelling for Sallah were burnt to death by mob at Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State on Thursday.
The victims who are said to be hunters were intercepted by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes.
After ransacking their vehicle where dane guns used by hunters were found, the security operatives accused them of being kidnappers and they were later burnt alive by mob in the community.
A security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the incident on his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
He said, “The sight of their hunting guns. Dane guns commonly used in the North was misinterpreted as a threat. Instead of contacting the police, or other security agencies, local vigilantes raised a false alarm, which ignited a wave of chaos and violence.
“The reaction was swift and brutal. Local youths, incited by the unfounded accusations, viciously attacked the travellers, resulting in the tragic loss of 16 lives on the spot. In a grotesque act of barbarism, the mob set the truck ablaze, leaving some bodies trapped inside the vehicle.
“While some people were taken out on wheelbarrow and thrown inside fire. This gruesome scene only points to the sickening reality of mob justice that has taken root in certain communities.”
He explained that responsive action from security operatives came too late for the victims.
“By the time they arrived on the scene following a distress call, the damage had been done. Four survivors were rescued and rushed to His Grace Hospital in Uromi for urgent medical treatment.”
He noted that authorities had confirmed the arrest of five suspects.
The incident has triggered outrage, with many Nigerians accusing the federal and state governments of being unable to stem jungle justice.
Barbaric and condemnable – Okpebholo
However, the state governor Monday Okpebholo reacting to the development described it as barbaric and condemnable. He vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
The governor who spoke in Uromi through the Chief Security Officer, Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, said he was in the community to ascertain the level of damage done and to ensure that investigation is carried out to ensure justice and forestall a reoccurrence.
He said investigations revealed that those killed had boarded a commercial truck and was stopped by members of local security outfit who upon search of the vehicle, discovered some guns, a situation that led to the mob attack by persons around the vicinity.
He warned that nobody has the right to take another man’s life, stressing that the nature of the barbaric killing was a cause of concern to the governor.
“I can assure you that the people 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.
“As I speak now, over four persons have been arrested for their involvement in this ugly incidence,” he said.
He however called for calm while assuring the law abiding residents of Uromi, especially the Hausa Community in the area to go about their daily activities, as men of the Nigerian police force and other security agencies have been deployed to restore peace and normalcy to the place.
Unfortunate incident – Atiku
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar in a post on his social media page said the incident is unfortunate and demanded a transparent investiagation to ensure perpetrators are brought to book.
He said; “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 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. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore public confidence in our security institutions.”
A sad reminder of the barbarity of jungle justice – Kwankwaso
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Presidential Candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general elections, also decried the gruesome murder of some Northern Nigerian travelers in Edo State.
In a statement published on his personal Facebook page, Kwankwaso described the attack as a “harrowing display of mob injustice and a sad reminder of the barbarity of jungle justice.”
“It is general perception that the citizens all over the country must be able to move about without intimidation or harassment,” he said.
Kwankwaso asked the authorities concerned to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“I appeal to the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this tragic accident and prosecute the offenders,” he said.
The ex-governor also commiserated with the families of the victims, the government of Kano state, and the other states affected by this disaster, praying for those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Horrifying – Arewa youths
Similarly, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum condemned the brutal killing of the Northern travellers in Uromi, Edo State.
In a statement issued by the AYCF President General, Shetima Yerima, in Kaduna on Friday, the forum described the incident as a “horrifying display of mob injustice” fueled by false accusations and ignorance.
The AYCF demanded immediate and thorough investigations into the tragedy, calling for swift and decisive action against those responsible.
The AYCF also urged the Hausa community to remain calm and peaceful, resisting the temptation for retaliation and instead seeking justice through lawful means.
The statement reads, “We stand united in our outrage and condemnation of the horrific events that transpired on Thursday in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, Edo State, where 16 innocent travellers from Northern Nigeria tragically lost their lives due to a horrifying display of mob injustice.
“We demand that the authorities take swift and decisive action against those responsible for inciting and participating in this heinous crime. It is imperative that justice is served not only for the victims and their grieving families but also to restore faith in our justice system, which must not be overshadowed by the lawlessness of a mob.
“We recognise the pain and anger that this incident has caused within the Hausa community in Uromi and beyond. However, we urge our brothers and sisters to remain calm and peaceful while also being vigilant. It is essential to resist the temptation for retaliation and instead seek justice through lawful means.”
According to Shettima, the forum stands ready to support the community in advocating for their rights and ensuring that such an atrocity is never repeated.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and call upon the relevant authorities to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrators of this mob injustice to justice. We must work together to build a society where dialogue and understanding prevail over violence and ignorance.
“The incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of mob violence and the need for justice and accountability.
“The AYCF is, however, calling for calm and urging the authorities to take swift action to address the situation,” the statement added.
