The brutal killing of no fewer than 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo, sparks outrage in Nigeria

The Kano State Government has strongly condemned the brutal killing of no fewer than 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Waiya, in Kano on Saturday.

Waiya described the incident as a heinous act that should be met with an unwavering response from security and judicial institutions.

The victims, predominantly hunters were allegedly ambushed by a vigilante group and armed youths while travelling from Rivers to Kano to celebrate Sallah with their families.

The statement said that all individuals found complicit in the atrocity should be brought to justice, including law enforcement personnel who may have neglected their duty.

The Kano State government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts to strengthen the nation’s security framework, including better equipment for the police forces and access to justice and redress.

Meanwhile, The House of Representatives has condemned the mob killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government of Edo.

Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said that such a horrific act was a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law.

He said the house acknowledged the directives of President Bola Tinubu, and Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, instructing security agencies to conduct an urgent investigation into the extra-judicial killings.

Rotimi urged law enforcement to ensure all perpetrators were promptly identified, arrested and prosecuted.

The spokesman commended security agencies for their swift and timely intervention, which led to the rescue of survivors and the arrest of some suspects.

He said that the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, strongly condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric, cowardly and unacceptable.”
Rotimi quoted the speaker as saying that such acts of brutality had no place in a society that upheld the sanctity of life – a fundamental principle deeply rooted in both Islamic and Christian teachings.

“It is alarming that in our nation, fellow citizens can be subjected to such heinous violence, especially when our faith traditions teach us to honour the sanctity of every human life.”

Abbas also called for calm and urged Nigerians to refrain from acts that could escalate tensions.

He emphasised the need for collective efforts by security agencies, community leaders and citizens to prevent further occurrences of such tragic incidents.

Abbas said that beyond immediate justice, the tragic incident underscored the urgent need for a national conversation on mob violence, extrajudicial killings and ethnic profiling, which threatened the nation’s collective peace and unity.

The speaker called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance response mechanisms and implement proactive measures to prevent mob justice and protect all citizens, regardless of ethnicity

Abbas called on community leaders, religious institutions and traditional rulers to actively foster mutual understanding, tolerance and respect for the rule of law within their communities.

He called on civil society and the media to promote legal awareness, civic responsibility and objective reporting to combat mob violence and uphold justice.

The speaker urged all Nigerians to reject the dangerous practice of taking the law into their own hands, as it undermined democracy and social cohesion.

Abbas reaffirmed the 10th assembly’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice for all and supporting policies that safeguarded the lives and dignity of every Nigerian.

“Mob violence, extrajudicial killings and ethnic targeting have no place in a civilised society.

“The house will continue to advance legislative measures to address these pressing concerns.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with all those who seek justice and peace.”

He said that as representatives of the people, the house would remain resolute in its duty to protect the fundamental rights of every citizen and ensure that no act of lawlessness would go unpunished.