A national dialogue on security, ethnic relations, and the rule of law has been triggered by the recent barbaric execution of 16 hunters in Edo State, which has caused indignation in a number of sectors.
Security authorities, politicians, and community leaders have all harshly condemned the March 28, 2025, event in the Uromi region of Edo State, where a vigilante group unintentionally killed hunters making their way from Rivers State to Kano for Eid celebrations.
CDS Demands Justice and Denounces Mob Action
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has condemned the horrific murders, highlighting how they jeopardise national security and unity.
The CDS emphasized that the tragedy may have been prevented if security agencies had been adequately notified prior to action being taken, in a statement issued by Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defense Information.
He warned against jungle justice, urged residents to exercise restraint, and promised that those responsible would face consequences.
“The Nigerian military, police, and other security forces are very skilled in managing security-related issues. Musa said, “No one should take the law into their own hands.”
Governor Okpebholo Takes Action to Restore Trust
In response to the tragedy, Governor Monday Okpebholo acted quickly, disbanding all unregistered vigilante organizations in the state and suspending CP Friday Ibadin (retd.), the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps. To stop the situation from getting worse, the state government has contacted northern governors, the Hausa community, and the relatives of the victims.
The governor’s dedication to justice was reaffirmed by State Commissioner for Information and Communication Paul Ohonbamu, who said, “This administration condemns the act and will ensure those responsible face the full weight of the law.”
Sanusi Asks for Peace During Tensions
Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, has discouraged retaliatory attacks amid escalating tensions by urging moderation, especially among young people in the North. Speaking to worshippers at Kano’s Eid prayers, Sanusi underlined that retaliation is unacceptable in Islam and urged authorities to make sure justice is served.
“This situation cannot be let unchecked. He offered his sympathies to the families of the deceased and said, “Justice must be served to prevent further escalation.”
Edo’s Hausa Community Is Confident
Alhaji Badamosi Saleh, the head of the Hausa community in Edo, has urged composure and emphasized the state government’s proactive involvement with impacted families.
He confirmed that the community has been reassured that justice will be done by the security agencies’ prompt action, which included the arrest of 14 offenders.
In a statement, Saleh said, “We have assured our people that the Edo State government is working to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
PDP Points Out Security Vulnerabilities in Edo
The incident has been used by the Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to attack the Okpebholo government and demand a comprehensive revision of the state’s security system.
Speaking on behalf of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikare said that Friday Ibadin’s (the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps) suspension was an acknowledgment of failure and that more extensive structural changes are required to stop future occurrences of this kind.
“Under this regime, Edo State’s security has completely disintegrated. The awful death of these defenseless hunters serves as a reminder of the government’s incapacity, Nehikare claimed.
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Religious and National Leaders Advocate for Tolerance
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), among other religious and civil society organizations, have denounced the murders and called for increased law enforcement and interfaith cooperation to stop mob violence.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the president of CAN, called the incident a “severe violation of human rights” and urged security services to look into it thoroughly.
The main takeaway from leaders in various fields as Nigeria deals with the aftermath of this catastrophe is unmistakable: justice must be done and steps must be taken to stop more ethnically motivated killings. Whether the authorities can regain trust in the rule of law and stop more divisions will be determined in the upcoming weeks.
