Tragic Lynching Of 16 Travelers Sparks National Outcry

Leaders Condemn Brutal Murder of 16 Travelers in Edo State

Anderson here, and I’m telling you, the world can be a tough place sometimes. The brutal killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, has shaken the nation. From President Bola Tinubu to state governors across the country, leaders are speaking out against this horrifying act. The President has ordered a full-scale manhunt for those responsible, and other leaders have joined the chorus for justice.

How It Happened: A Fatal Mistake

Now, here’s the backstory. According to Saturday PUNCH, the victims, who identified themselves as hunters, were on a journey in a Dangote Cement truck. Around 1:30 p.m., they were stopped by local security forces in the Udune Efandion community. During a routine search, community vigilantes found dane guns in the truck, which sparked suspicion and led to a mob attack.

A distressing video circulating on 𝕏 captures the harrowing moment the victims were brutally lynched. In the chilling 29-second footage, the men can be heard pleading for their lives as they were beaten mercilessly and eventually set on fire. One of the victims cried out, “Please, please, wayo, wayo.”

Read also:

Peter Marc Jacobsons Journey From Tv Production To Financial Success

What’s even more disturbing is the indifference shown by some bystanders. As the tragedy unfolded, some people simply went about their day, ignoring the horror happening right in front of them. An eyewitness named John explained that the travelers were mistakenly identified as kidnappers. He said, “After seeing the travelers with guns, the vigilantes raised the alarm, and 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.”

The video shows a particularly gruesome moment when a resident used a wheelbarrow to throw one of the victims into the fire. In the background, a woman laments, “Eyah, he is crying.” Adding to the chaos, a man in a white T-shirt and black jeans seemed to be directing the assault, while another voice from the mob taunted the victims. A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, criticized the delayed police response. “If the police had arrived early enough, this tragedy could have been prevented. But by the time they came, only four people could be saved and rushed to the hospital,” the resident stated.

16 Lives Lost, 14 Arrested

Confirming the incident, the Edo State Police Command reported the arrest of 14 suspects. In a statement issued on Friday, command spokesperson Moses Yamu revealed that an emergency meeting was held with stakeholders and community leaders to address the tragic event. A special unit comprising the Police Mobile Force and other tactical teams was deployed to prevent further violence. Yamu warned against any form of reprisal or unlawful gathering that could escalate tensions.

Recounting the events, Yamu stated, “The incident occurred when a truck, with registration number KKF 225 XA, traveling from Port Harcourt and carrying 25 travelers from Elele, a suburb of Rivers State, was stopped by vigilante group members at Uromi. Some of the travelers were found in possession of locally-made dane guns and were arrested. While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised the alarm, labeling them suspected kidnappers. This prompted community members and passersby to attack and lynch 16 of the occupants, while the truck transporting them was also set ablaze. Police operatives attached to the Uromi division received intelligence on the situation and swiftly stormed the scene, where they managed to rescue 10 of the travelers. Two among them sustained varying degrees of injury and were rushed to a hospital, where they are currently responding positively to treatment.”

A source within Edo State confirmed that 16 of the travelers lost their lives in the attack.

President Tinubu Calls for Justice

President Tinubu, speaking out on Friday, directed security agencies to launch an extensive investigation to ensure the perpetrators face justice. Expressing his shock at the horrific attack, the President extended condolences to the victims’ families and assured them that the criminals would not escape accountability. “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,” the statement read.

Read also:

Ving Rhames Net Worth 2024 Journey From Harlem To Hollywoods Elite

Meanwhile, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) issued a strong condemnation of the killings. Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, who chairs the forum, described the attack as a gross violation of human rights and called for severe consequences for extrajudicial violence. In a statement signed by Ismaila Misilli, the Director-General, Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House, Yahaya extended his sympathies to the families of the deceased. “We are deeply disturbed by the loss of innocent lives and the horrific manner in which these individuals were attacked,” Yahaya stated. “This appalling act undermines the rule of law and the very fabric of our society. It is imperative that the relevant authorities conduct a full and thorough investigation into this senseless act. The perpetrators must be identified, arrested, and brought to justice swiftly.”

A Nation Demands Justice

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took to his verified 𝕏 handle to emphasize that the protection of lives must remain a top government priority. He posted, “I am deeply saddened by reports of the tragic killing of some hunters in Edo State. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families and loved ones. This unfortunate incident demands a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible are brought to book. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore public confidence in our security institutions.”

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo also condemned the attack, calling it barbaric and vowing that those responsible would face the full force of the law. Represented by the Chief Security Officer of Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, the governor assured that security agencies were working to ensure justice for the victims. “I can assure you that those involved in this unprovoked attack will not go scot-free, as His Excellency has directed the Commissioner of Police to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter. As we speak, over four persons have been arrested for their involvement in this ugly incident,” Okpebholo stated.

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also condemned the killings, describing them as “deeply saddening.” He stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and warned against the dangers of mob justice, which he described as a serious threat to societal stability. “Reports indicate that these individuals were accused of being kidnappers, leading to their brutal murder by a mob. While addressing security concerns and combating criminal activities is crucial, resorting to extrajudicial measures undermines the rule of law and exacerbates the cycle of violence,” Obi stated.

Arewa, PDP Join the Outcry

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) condemned the incident in a statement issued in Kaduna by its President General, Yerima Shetima. Describing the attack as a “horrifying display of mob injustice” fueled by misinformation, the AYCF demanded an immediate and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Similarly, the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the attack, blaming growing paranoia in the state due to rising insecurity.