Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has called for the public parade of the suspects arrested in connection with the gruesome killing of 16 hunters in Edo State. The governor also urged that the families of the victims receive compensation.
Governor Yusuf made this demand during a condolence visit by his Edo State counterpart, Monday Okpebholo, in Kano on Monday. This visit followed the burial of the victims in Uromi, Edo State, over the weekend.
The tragic incident occurred when the hunters, who were traveling in a truck, were intercepted by a local vigilante group. Accused of being kidnappers, they were brutally lynched, with 16 of them losing their lives, while 10 others managed to escape.
During the meeting at the Kano Government House, Governor Yusuf condemned the act, noting that it went against the values of human life upheld in Nigeria.
“This cowardly act contradicts the fundamental principles of our society, which are deeply rooted in both Islamic and Christian teachings,” Yusuf said.
He revealed that 14 suspects had been arrested in connection with the killings and stressed the need for a public parade of the perpetrators to ensure justice and bring some relief to the grieving families.
Governor Yusuf further stated that measures had been put in place to prevent any retaliatory attacks. He also called on Governor Okpebholo to provide compensation to the victims’ families while commending President Bola Tinubu for his swift response in directing security agencies to track down those responsible.
Okpebholo, on his part, denounced the killings, describing them as “barbaric and unacceptable.” He assured that security agencies were actively investigating the matter and vowed that those involved would be brought to justice.
“So far, about 14 suspects have been arrested, and after the holiday, they will be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation. More arrests will follow as investigations continue,” Okpebholo stated.
The Edo governor also reassured the Hausa community in Edo that the state government would ensure their safety. He emphasized that the attack did not reflect the broader relationship between the people of Edo and the northern community.
Leaders from both states, including representatives of the Arewa and Edo communities, have urged for calm and peaceful coexistence. They expressed their support for the swift actions taken by both state governments to address the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has called for better oversight of local vigilante groups, stressing the importance of professionalism and adherence to the rule of law to prevent further incidents of mob violence.
Security agencies have continued their investigation, with authorities confirming that efforts are ongoing to apprehend more suspects. The Edo State Police Command has also refuted claims of unrest in Uromi, warning against the spread of false information that could incite further violence.
