Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered an investigation into the killing of several hunters who were traveling for Sallah.
The victims were intercepted by a mob in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, who, after searching their vehicle and discovering dane guns, wrongly concluded that they were kidnappers.
The mob then set them ablaze.
A viral video circulating online shows the victims surrounded by youths before being burned alive.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians criticizing the government’s inability to curb jungle justice.
Reacting to the incident, Senator Monday Okpebholo condemned the act as “barbaric and condemnable,” assuring that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Speaking in Uromi through the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, the governor expressed deep concern over the nature of the killings and emphasized the need for justice and preventive measures.
“I can assure you that the people involved in this unprovoked attack 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, over four persons have been arrested for their involvement in this ugly incident,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo also warned against taking the law into one’s hands.
“Nobody has the right to take another man’s life,” he stressed, calling for calm while assuring the Hausa community and other law-abiding residents of Uromi that security forces have been deployed to restore normalcy.
The Edo State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Moses Iyamu, was contacted for comments but had not provided a response as of the time of this report.
Similarly, former Kano State Governor and NNPP Presidential Candidate in the last election, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, condemned the killings, describing them as a “harrowing display of mob injustice and a sad reminder of the barbarity of jungle justice.”
“It is general perception that the citizens all over the country must be able to move about without intimidation or harassment,” Kwankwaso stated on his official Facebook page, urging authorities to investigate the tragedy thoroughly and ensure that justice is served.
“I appeal to the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this tragic accident and prosecute the offenders,” he added.
He also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the governments of Kano and other affected states, praying for those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
As public outrage continues to grow, pressure is mounting on the police and other security agencies to take swift action and bring those responsible to justice.
