Tinubu Orders Manhunt For Killers Of 16 Northern Hunters In Edo

President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the killing of 16 northern hunters who were attacked by local vigilantes in Uromi, Esan North Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that the victims, who claimed to be hunters, were traveling in a Dangote Cement truck when they were stopped around 1:30 p.m. in Udune Efandion community by local security operatives.

During a search of the vehicle, the discovery of dane guns allegedly triggered a violent mob attack.

A disturbing video circulating on social media captured the moment the victims were lynched.

In one of he vides, the travelers could be heard crying out and begging for their lives as they were brutally beaten and set on fire.

Shockingly, some residents continued their daily activities, seemingly unbothered by the horrific violence happening nearby.

An eyewitness, who identified himself as John, said the mob mistook the travelers for kidnappers.

“After seeing the travellers with guns, the vigilantes raised the alarm, as people descended on them. How could they be carrying arms from wherever they were coming from? Are they hunters?

“What were they doing in a Dangote Cement truck with guns? I think the people were frustrated by frequent kidnaps in the area. However, they should have handed them over to the police.,” he said.

The gruesome footage also showed a resident using a wheelbarrow to push one of the victims into the flames.

A woman’s voice in the background was heard saying, “Eyah, he is crying,” as the attack continued.

A man in a white T-shirt and black jeans was seen directing the assault, while another voice in the crowd mocked the victims.

A resident, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident, blamed the police for responding too late.

“If the police had arrived early enough, this tragedy could have been prevented. But by the time they arrived, only four people could be saved, and they were rushed to a hospital,” he said.

Reacting in a statement by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the President ordered security agencies to carry out a swift and thorough investigation to ensure those responsible face justice.

Tinubu extended his condolences to the victims’ families, assuring them that the government would not allow criminals to take innocent lives without consequences.

He also emphasized that mob justice has no place in Nigeria, stressing that every citizen has the right to travel freely across the country without fear.

The president praised Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and community leaders in Uromi for their quick intervention in preventing further unrest.

The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu has condemned the murder of travelling hunters intercepted by local vigilantes in the Uromi community of Esan North Local Government of Edo State.

“The president, who expressed shock at the dastardly act on Thursday, 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 in vain.

“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.

“President Tinubu commended the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, and community leaders in Uromi for their swift response to avert the escalation of tension. Mr Okpebholo has also ordered investigation into the incident.”

KanyiDaily recalls that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso also condemned the brutal mob lynching of 16 Northerners who were traveling to Kano State.