A controversy has erupted over the alleged brutal killing of a group of traveling hunters in the Uromi community of Edo State by suspected local vigilante members.
The hunters, reportedly traveling from Port Harcourt to their northern communities for the Sallah holiday celebrations, were attacked and killed in the Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state on the allegation that they were kidnappers.
Sources said the victims were lynched after arms and ammunition were found in their possession.
Investigation by Naija Delta Report revealed that the incident was a product of a long-standing suspicion of the activities of herders and people of northern extractions in the parts of Edo State.
Our reporter recalled that a police station was razed in the Agenebode area of the state last October after some northern businessmen were accused of kidnapping and killing some residents in the community.
The latest incident has sparked widespread condemnation, including strong reactions from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Amnesty International have also called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has directed security agencies to launch an immediate manhunt for the perpetrators. Expressing shock over the killings, he instructed the police and other law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation to bring the suspects to justice.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended condolences to the families of the victims. He assured them that his administration would not tolerate acts of violence and vowed that those responsible for the killings would face the full weight of the law.
The President also reaffirmed that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria, emphasizing that all citizens have the right to move freely and safely across the country.
Commending Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and local community leaders for their swift intervention, President Tinubu acknowledged their efforts in preventing further escalation of tensions in the area.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians, pledging continued collaboration with state governments and security agencies to uphold law and order.
