Tragic Killings In Edo State: A Nation Reacts

A Nation Shaken: The Edo State Hunters' Tragedy

It’s a story that has sent shockwaves across the nation. On March 28, 2025, in the Uromi area of Edo State, a tragic misunderstanding turned deadly when a group of hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano for Eid celebrations were mistakenly targeted and killed by a vigilante group. This horrifying event has left a deep scar on the nation, sparking a wave of reactions from security agencies, political leaders, and community figures alike. The loss of 16 lives has ignited intense discussions about the state of security, ethnic harmony, and the importance of upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.

General Musa Speaks Out: A Call for Accountability

General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has stepped forward to denounce the brutal killings. In a statement issued by Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, General Musa emphasized the gravity of the situation, pointing out how such incidents erode the fabric of national unity and security. He stressed that vigilante groups should never act without proper coordination with security agencies, underscoring the importance of professional intervention in matters of this nature.

General Musa went on to issue a stern warning against jungle justice, asserting that citizens must resist the temptation to take the law into their own hands. He promised that the perpetrators of this heinous act would face the full force of the law. "The Nigeria Police, military, and other security agencies are well-trained to handle these kinds of situations," Musa declared. "We cannot afford to let chaos reign in our society."

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Governor Okpebholo Takes Immediate Action

Governor Monday Okpebholo wasted no time in responding to the tragedy. He swiftly suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.), and dissolved all unregistered vigilante groups operating within the state. These decisive moves were aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring accountability for the actions that led to this tragedy. The state government also reached out to the victims’ families, engaging with the Hausa community and northern governors to prevent further tensions from escalating.

State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, echoed the governor's commitment to justice. "Our administration condemns this act in the strongest possible terms," Ohonbamu stated. "We are determined to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity face the full weight of the law."

Emir Sanusi Urges Calm Amid Rising Tensions

In the midst of growing anxiety, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called for calm, particularly among the youth in the North. During the Eid prayers in Kano, Emir Sanusi urged restraint and reminded everyone that revenge is not a tenet of Islam. He emphasized the need for justice to prevail, stating, "This matter must not go unpunished. We owe it to the bereaved families and to the nation to ensure that justice is done."

Emir Sanusi’s message of peace was a powerful reminder that in times of crisis, leadership must guide communities toward constructive solutions rather than retaliation. His words resonated deeply with those affected, offering hope that the situation could be resolved without further violence.

Hausa Community in Edo Finds Reassurance

Alhaji Badamosi Saleh, the leader of the Hausa community in Edo, expressed gratitude for the swift response from security agencies, which included the arrest of 14 suspects. This action has helped reassure the community that justice will indeed be served. Saleh noted that the state government's proactive engagement with affected families has been a crucial step in rebuilding trust.

He addressed the community directly, stating, "We have spoken to our people and assured them that the Edo State government is fully committed to holding those responsible accountable. This tragedy cannot be allowed to divide us further. Instead, it must serve as a wake-up call to strengthen our resolve for peace and justice."

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PDP Criticizes Edo State Security Measures

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has seized the opportunity to criticize Governor Okpebholo's administration, questioning the effectiveness of the state’s security framework. Chris Nehikare, the PDP Caretaker Committee spokesperson, described the suspension of CP Friday Ibadin as an admission of failure. He argued that more profound structural reforms are needed to prevent such incidents in the future.

Nehikare criticized the administration, stating, "The security of Edo State has collapsed under this administration. The killing of these innocent hunters is a tragic reminder of the government's incompetence. We need a complete overhaul of the state’s security systems to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated."

Leaders Across Nigeria Call for Unity and Justice

Religious and civil society groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), have condemned the killings, urging stronger law enforcement and interfaith dialogue to combat mob violence. CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh described the act as a "grave violation of human rights," calling for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

As Nigeria navigates the aftermath of this devastating incident, one message rings clear across all sectors: justice must be served, and measures must be taken to prevent further ethnically charged violence. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether authorities can restore trust in the rule of law and unite the nation in the pursuit of peace.