…Tinubu, Obi, Okpebholo, Northern Govs condemn killings
Outrage has trailed the mob killing of 16 northern travellers at Uromi in Edo State, while transiting from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Kano State. Weekend Trust gathered that the victims were hunters who were returning home for the Sallah celebration.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the murder of the hunters, directing the security operatives in the state to go after the killers and bring them to justice, saying that a thorough investigation should be conducted and the culprits brought to book.
The Northern Governors Forum, Amnesty International among others have also condemned the killing of the men.
The travellers said to be hunters, were on their way to Kano for the Sallah celebration when a mob intercepted and lynched them on suspicion that they were kidnappers.
Weekend Trust learnt that local vigilantes had stopped the vehicle the victims were travelling in and in the course of search, found Dane guns used by the hunters, a development that reportedly led to the gathering of a mob who concluded the travellers were kidnappers and burn them alive.
In a viral video seen by our reporter, the deceased were seen rounded up by some youths who eventually set them ablaze.
The attackers tied the victims to used tyres, poured petrol on them and set them on fire.
Police confirm incident
The Edo State Police Command said 14 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
A statement by the command’s spokesperson, CSP, Moses Yamu, said, ‘‘on March, 27, 2025, a truck with registration number KKF 225 XA, coming from Port Harcourt, conveying 25 travellers from Elele, a suburb of Rivers State, was accosted by some vigilante group members at Uromi.
“Some of the travellers who were found in possession of locally made Dane guns were arrested.
“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised an alarm of them being suspected kidnappers, which led some members and passersby in the community to attack and lynch 16 of the occupants while the truck conveying them was equally burnt”.
He said the police went to the scene where 10 of the travellers were rescued, while two of those who sustained various degrees of injuries were rushed to a hospital and that they are responding treatment.
He added that Police Mobile Force personnel with other command tactical teams had been deployed to the area to forestall breakdown of law and order.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates the need for peaceful coexistence among various groups, and urges residents to remain calm and cooperate with the police as investigations continue,” he said.
He also cautioned against any form of reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that may further escalate tensions.
Survivors recount ordeal
Dayyabu Yahya, a survivor shared how he and four others escaped the attack. He recounted: “Our journey was peaceful from Port Harcourt until we reached Uromi, where trouble began. Vigilantes stopped us. I was seated in the front seat. They ordered our driver to step out of the vehicle, but he refused. In response, they flogged him. They also ordered the other passengers to get down from the vehicle, during which they beat us up before grouping us together.
“They inspected our belongings but found nothing suspicious—only some licensed Dane guns. There were about 27 passengers in the vehicle. I can’t say how many of us are missing, but I know that two passengers were hospitalised.”
Another survivor, Mustafa Ali Kassim, said, “The vigilantes started beating us as we were stepping out of the vehicle. After gathering us in one place, the locals joined in and continued the assault. Eventually, the vigilantes stepped back and allowed the locals to beat us while they stood idle, watching. Realising that we would likely be killed, some of us made a run for our lives—I was one of them. While fleeing, I encountered kind-hearted Hausa people, who gave me some money, which I used to reach the Hausa community leader here.”
Okpebholo assures of justice
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who described the act as barbaric and condemnable, vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
The governor, who spoke at Uromi, through the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, said he was there to ascertain the level of damage done and to ensure that investigation is carried out to ensure justice and forestall a reoccurrence.
He warned that nobody had the right to take another man’s life, stressing that the nature of the killing was a cause of concern to the governor.
“I can assure you that the people involved in this unprovoked attacked 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, four persons have been arrested for their involvement in this ugly incidence,” he said.
He called for calm while urging 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.
Tinubu orders probe, manhunt for killers
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his reaction condemned the incident.
The president has also called on security operatives in the state to go after the killers and bring them to justice, saying that a thorough investigation should be conducted.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement said the president, “expressed shock at the dastardly act, directed police and other security agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigations and punish the suspected culprits.”
President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the affected victims and assured them that criminals would not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians.
The president noted that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria, and all Nigerians have the freedom to move freely in any part of the country.
Obi condemns the killing
In the same vein, PACESETTER reports that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, condemned the killings, describing the report as really sad.
In a post on his verified X account, Obi wrote, in part:
“The news of the killings of Northern travellers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, is deeply saddening. Such killings have become a recurring tragedy in our decaying society. Acts of violence like these are abhorrent and had no place in our society yesterday, just as they should have no place in any decent society today. Every Nigerian, regardless of ethnic or regional background, has the right to move freely and safely within our nation.
“Reports indicate that these individuals were accused of being kidnappers, leading to their brutal murder by a mob. While addressing security concerns and combating criminal activities is crucial, resorting to extrajudicial measures undermines the rule of law and exacerbates the cycle of violence. I commend the government for condemning this incident and initiating an investigation.
“Furthermore, the authorities should also address the killings of Edo indigenes to ensure that justice is served for all.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Let us all work together to foster a society where peace, unity, and respect for human life prevail. -PO”
Northern govs condemn killing
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has also condemned the killing.
In a statement issued yesterday, chairman of the Forum and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described the attack as a gross violation of human rights, stressing that extrajudicial violence was “entirely unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned with the utmost severity.”
He said the forum expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by the incident.
“We are deeply disturbed by the loss of innocent lives and the horrific manner in which these individuals were attacked.
“This appalling act undermines the rule of law and the very fabric of our society. It is imperative that the relevant authorities conduct a full and thorough investigation into this senseless act. The perpetrators must be identified, arrested, and brought to justice swiftly,” he said.
Governor Yahaya reiterated that all Nigerians, regardless of their region, should be able to travel freely and safely without fear of harassment, violence, or intimidation. Daily Trust/Pacesetter