Governor Monday Okpebholo today Friday visited Uromi Town where no fewer than 10 people suspected to be of Northern extraction were mobbed and burnt to death by a mob in Edo State, as the deceased travelled from the South-South to the North.
Said to be a group of hunters, the victims met their unsavoury fate at the hands of locals who suspected them of being Fulani kidnappers travelling through Uromi Local Government Area of Edo State.
It was gathered that the hunters, who were thought to be kidnappers, were coming from River State to Kano State when they were attacked by a mob en route to Edo State.
Eyewitness account stated that the hunters were stopped by vigilantes on a normal stop and search. In the course of being searched, they were found with guns, machetes, dogs and other personal belongings.
Issues escalated when residents of usually kidnapping-ravaged Uromi accused the travelling hunters of being kidnappers.
The situation escalated as tempera flared, ending up in the victims being burnt.
Security operatives later got the scene of the incident but it was too late to save any suspects from the angry mob.
The deceased bodies have been evacuated from the scene of the incident and investigation have been launched.
GOV OKPEBHOLO REPORTED ON THE KILLING:
I have received the disturbing report of the tragic incident in Uromi, where travelers were brutally murdered in an unlawful act of jungle justice. This barbaric act is completely unacceptable and has no place in Edo State.
For this reason, I am personally in Uromi to assess the situation and reassure the people that justice will be served. I strongly condemn the actions of the local vigilante members involved in this heinous crime. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Our security agencies are in place to enforce the law, and extrajudicial killings will not be tolerated under my administration.
I have directed the Edo State Police Command and other relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, swift, and transparent investigation. Those found responsible must face the full consequences of the law. I also urge the community to collaborate closely with the security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
I commend the community leaders, especially the leadership of the Arewa community, for their restraint and efforts in preventing further escalation of tensions. Edo State is home to all law-abiding citizens, and my administration will continue to uphold peace, security, and the rule of law for everyone.
Justice will prevail.
EX-VICE PRESIDENT ATIKU ABUBAKAR’S STATEMENT ON THE KILLINGS:
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. -AA
EX-GOV RABIU KWANKWASO’S STATEMENT ABOUT THE KILLINGS:
I am concerned by the harrowing display of mob injustice on 16 travellers from Northern Nigeria in Edo State.
This tragedy, which unfolded on March 28, 2025 in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, is another sad reminder of the barbarity of jungle justice.
It is common knowledge that people from all parts of the country should be able to travel without facing any form of harassment or intimidation.
I urge the concerned authorities to launch a full-scale investigation into this sad incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
While praying for the repose of the victims, I extend my condolences to the their families, the Kano State Government and other affected states. – RMK
