Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has vowed bring to justice those who carried out the killing of 16 hunters in Edo State.
This is even as about 14 suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the incident.
The Edo State government has also said that Governor Monday Okpehbolo had reached out to the victims’ families, the Hausa community leaders in the state, and the northern governors about the incident.
Recall that a mob killed the hunters in Uromi, Edo State, last Thursday while travelling to Kano from Rivers State to celebrate Eid with their families.
The incident was said to have happened when the truck conveying them was stopped by a vigilante group, and the men who were found with dane guns were lynched by the interceptors who mistook them for kidnappers who had been terrorising the area for a very long time.
Not less than 16 victims were set ablaze, while 10 were rescued by the police. Those who died in the incident were buried on Saturday.
The incident has been widely condemned by various northern groups, state governments, and lawmakers.
In a statement on Sunday by the Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the CDS stated that the tragic incident could have been prevented had the appropriate authorities been notified to verify the identities of the victims.
It read, “Gen Christopher Musa has condemned in strong terms the unfortunate killing of hunters while on transit in Edo State. The incident, which occurred on 28 March 2025, could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities were notified and involved in ascertaining the identity of the victims.
“Gen Musa condoled with the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the families of those who lost their lives.”
Musa also urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead rely on security agencies for conflict resolution.
Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will collaborate with the police and other security agencies to ensure justice is served.
The statement added, “The CDS also urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands but always revert to constituted authority in matters that affect security. The Nigeria Police, military, and other security agencies are well trained to handle such matters.
“The Chief of Defence Staff assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.”
He warned vigilante groups, hunters and others to register with relevant agencies to regulate the possession of firearms.
Musa also admonished local hunters and vigilante groups to register with the police, Department of State Services, AFN and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of firearms while calling on vigilante groups to always revert to police for appropriate action.
Security chief suspended
Meanwhile, Okpehbolo has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.), over the March 27 killing of the 16 travellers.
The Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, confirmed Ibadin’s suspension and all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state in a statement on Sunday.
The statement read, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that after a review of the preliminary report of the unfortunate incident of Thursday 27th March, 2025 at Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State involving the gruesome killing of some travellers, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state.
“Also suspended is the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd). It is to be reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of 27th March was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps.
“Its actions do not reflect the core values, character and principles of the Okpebholo administration, or the objectives of the corps as enshrined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.
“Investigations into the killings are ongoing and 14 persons have been arrested so far, while there is an intense manhunt for others involved in the gruesome killing by a special team set up by the Inspector-General of Police.”
The state government reiterated its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country.
“In the meantime, the government is in touch with families of the victims, community leaders and the Government of Kano State, where most of the deceased are reported to hail from.
“We urge all parties involved to remain calm as the State Government remains committed to ensuring that justice is done in a most efficient, transparent and proactive manner,” the statement added.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, said the governor has reached out to the Hausa community to let them know that he is not in support of the act.
He explained that Okpehbolo has also charged the security operatives to ensure that such an occurrence does not take place again.
“I am sure the action the governor has taken will deter the aggrieved party from carrying out reprisal attacks because this is what usually happens.
“But such a reprisal is precipitated by delay in doing the right thing by bringing those involved to book. If they kill your person and you see those involved are being dealt with, it will reduce your desire to carry out reprisal attacks.
“But if they are allowed to walk freely, that will amount to calling the bluff of the aggrieved party. The police and other security agencies are also aware that occurrences like this breed reprisal attacks.
“On the side of the governor, he has instructed a thorough investigation because he sees the killing as barbaric and it is wrong for people to take laws into their own hands,” he stated.
On whether Okpebholo had reached out to the Northern governors, Ohonbamu said, “Senator Okpehbolo belongs to the Governor’s Forum, and I am sure that he has reached out to them to let them know the actions he has taken and the one he will take, which will not be made known to the public.
“It could have happened in another state, and I am sure the same step will also have been taken to douse tension.
“The first thing that will gladden the hearts of Northern governors is that the Edo State Government has shown that it is against the killing. He rushed down from Abuja by road to the scene of the incident, warned the people and promised that justice will be done.”
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