The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has condemned the brutal killing of 16 hunters in Edo State. The victims were traveling from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid celebrations when they were stopped and lynched by a vigilante group in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.
Security agencies have arrested 14 suspects linked to the tragic incident, while investigations continue. Governor Monday Okpebholo has also reached out to the victims’ families, leaders of the Hausa community, and northern governors to address the situation.
A statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, noted that the attack could have been avoided if the authorities had been informed before action was taken.
“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,” the statement read.
The CDS also extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the families of the victims. He urged citizens to rely on law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to mob justice. He assured the public that the military would work closely with the police to ensure those responsible face justice.
In response to the killings, Governor Okpebholo has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.), and ordered the disbandment of all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state.
A statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, noted that the vigilante group involved in the attack was operating illegally and had not been registered with the Edo State Security Corps.
“The government remains committed to ensuring that justice is done in a most efficient, transparent, and proactive manner,” the statement added.
Okpebholo has also engaged with the Hausa community in Edo to assure them of his administration’s commitment to justice. He has instructed security agencies to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
“I am sure the action the governor has taken will deter the aggrieved party from carrying out reprisal attacks,” said the state’s Commissioner for Information, Paul Ohonbamu.
The killing has drawn widespread condemnation from northern leaders, including Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, who has urged youths in the state not to seek revenge.
“This matter must not be allowed to go unpunished. Justice must be done to prevent further escalation and ensure lasting peace,” Sanusi stated during his Eid sermon in Kano.
Other leaders, such as the Arewa Consultative Forum and the Arewa Community in the southern states, have called for justice while warning against ethnic tensions.
Alhaji Badamosi Saleh, head of the Hausa community in Edo, reassured his people that the government is working to ensure justice. “We have told our people not to take laws into their hands. The governor’s action gives us joy,” he said.
Religious and political groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have also condemned the attack. CAN described it as a “grievous violation of human rights,” while PDP called for a full review of the state’s security system.
