President Bola Tinubu and several state governors have strongly condemned the brutal murder of 16 Northerners by a mob in Uromi, Edo State. The tragic incident, which has sparked outrage across the country, has prompted the federal government to take immediate action in ensuring justice is served.
In an official statement released on Friday, President Tinubu directed the police and other security agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigations into the killings. He emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all individuals involved in the horrific act.
Reports from multiple sources indicate that the victims, who claimed to be hunters, were traveling in a Dangote Cement truck when they were stopped by local security operatives in Udune Efandion community at approximately 1:30 p.m. Upon conducting a search, the operatives reportedly discovered dane guns inside the truck, which led to suspicions and ultimately triggered the violent mob attack.
Eyewitnesses report that the situation escalated rapidly as an enraged crowd gathered, believing the victims to be kidnappers. The mob, driven by frustration over persistent cases of abductions in the region, took the law into their own hands. A harrowing video circulating on social media captured the victims’ last moments as they were lynched, pleading desperately for their lives before being brutally beaten and set ablaze.
One local resident, speaking on the condition of anonymity, lamented the failure of the authorities to respond in time to prevent the tragic loss of lives. “If the police had arrived early enough, this tragedy could have been prevented,” he said. He also revealed that four individuals managed to escape the massacre and were quickly rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Police confirm 16 deaths, arrest 14 suspects
The Edo State Police Command confirmed that 16 people lost their lives in the attack and that authorities have already arrested 14 suspects linked to the crime. The police assured the public that investigations were ongoing and that more arrests could follow as they continue to probe the matter.
Speaking on the incident, the police spokesman, Moses Yamu, explained that the truck had been carrying 25 travelers from Rivers State when it was intercepted and searched by local vigilantes. “Some vigilante members raised the alarm, calling them suspected kidnappers. This led to an angry mob attacking and killing 16 of the travelers, while the truck was set ablaze,” he stated.
To prevent further unrest and possible retaliation, security reinforcements have been deployed across the affected communities. The police have urged residents to refrain from engaging in acts of jungle justice, emphasizing the importance of allowing law enforcement agencies to handle such matters through due process.
In addition, community leaders, religious groups, and civil society organizations have called for calm and demanded justice for the victims. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their concerns over the rising cases of mob violence in the country, urging the government to take stringent measures to prevent future occurrences.
The Edo State Government has also pledged full cooperation with federal authorities in the investigation, vowing to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to book. Meanwhile, affected families have been assured of support and justice as the nation mourns the tragic loss o
f innocent lives.