ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has condemned the brutal killing of a group of Northern Nigerian travellers, who were intercepted and subsequently killed by local vigilantes in the Uromi community, Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo State.
At least 16 individuals, mostly Hausa hunters, were reportedly murdered after being labelled as kidnappers by the local vigilantes.
The incident occurred on Thursday, March 27, 2025, as the victims were travelling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Sallah festivities.
According to reports, the group was stopped around 1:30pm by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes in the Udune Efandion area.
What followed was a mob attack, with the victims being violently killed on suspicion of kidnapping.
In a statement released on Friday, March 28, 2025, by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu expressed his deep shock at the event, describing it as an act of unacceptable violence.
The President further directed security agencies, including the police, to launch a swift and thorough investigation into the killings and bring those responsible to justice.
“The President has ordered a manhunt for those responsible for this heinous crime. He has also assured the families of the victims that the government will not allow criminals to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians in vain,” Onanuga said.
President Tinubu reaffirmed the fundamental right of all Nigerians to move freely within the country, emphasising that acts of jungle justice have no place in a lawful society.
He also commended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and the local community leaders in Uromi for their quick response in intervening and preventing further escalation of violence in the area.
