President Bola Tinubu and several governors have condemned
the brutal lynching of 16 travellers by an irate mob in Uromi, Edo State. The
President has ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators, while state governors
have demanded justice for the victims.
Mistaken Identity Leads to Tragedy
Reports indicate that the victims, who identified themselves
as hunters, were travelling in a Dangote Cement truck when they were stopped
around 1:30 pm in Udune Efandion by local security. A search of the vehicle led
to the discovery of dane guns, which incited the mob attack.
A disturbing video circulating on social media captured the
moment the victims were beaten and set ablaze while pleading for their lives.
Shockingly, some residents appeared indifferent to the violence unfolding
before them.
An eyewitness, identified only as John, said the mob mistook
the travellers for kidnappers, adding that frustration over frequent abductions
in the area likely fueled the attack. "They should have handed them over
to the police," he lamented.
Police Response and Arrests
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 14
suspects. The command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, stated that emergency
meetings with community stakeholders have been convened, and tactical police
teams have been deployed to maintain order.
Yamu cautioned against further violence, urging the public to
remain calm. He explained that the attack occurred when vigilante members
raised an alarm upon discovering firearms among the travellers. This led to the
mob lynching 16 individuals and setting their truck ablaze. Police operatives
arrived in time to rescue 10 travellers, two of whom sustained injuries and
were taken to the hospital.
Tinubu, Governors Demand Justice
President Tinubu, expressing shock over the killings, has
directed security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to
justice. He reaffirmed that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria and assured
the victims' families that justice would be served.
The Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) also condemned the
attack. Its chairman, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, described the
killings as a gross violation of human rights and called for a thorough
investigation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Edo State Governor
Monday Okpebholo, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi also denounced the attack,
emphasizing the need for justice and urging security agencies to prevent future
occurrences.
Nationwide Reactions
Various political and civil groups, including the Arewa Youth
Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have
expressed outrage. AYCF President Yerima Shetima decried the act as
"horrifying mob injustice," while PDP called for federal intervention
in Edo State due to rising insecurity.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau condemned the killings
as "barbaric and inhumane," vowing to push for legislative action to
ensure accountability.
Call for Unity and Justice
As security agencies intensify investigations, leaders have
urged Nigerians to embrace peace, respect the rule of law, and avoid acts that
could escalate tensions. Authorities have assured the public that those
responsible for the gruesome attack will be prosecuted to the full extent of
the law.
