Mob Violence in Edo Claims Lives of 16 Travellers Mistaken for Kidnappers

A devastating mob attack occurred on Thursday in Edo State’s Udune Efandion community, Uromi, resulting in the loss of at least 16 lives.

The victims, predominantly Hausa hunters from Northern Nigeria, were falsely accused of being kidnappers.

They were intercepted by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes around 1:30 pm while traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for Sallah celebrations.

Allegedly, a search of their vehicle revealed guns, which sparked a mob attack by local residents, who accused them of being kidnappers and herdsmen.

A disturbing viral video shows the victims being rounded up by a group of youths, who then brutally set them on fire.

Reacting to the incident, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, condemned the killing, pledging that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted in the law court.

Okpebholo vehemently denounced the act as “barbaric and condemnable,” vowing that the perpetrators would be swiftly brought to justice.

Speaking on Friday in Uromi through
SP Solomon Osaghale, the Chief Security Officer of the Government House
the governor reaffirmed his dedication to evaluating the damage, conducting a thorough investigation, and ensuring justice is served to prevent a recurrence in future.

According to him, investigations showed that the victims had boarded a commercial truck, which was intercepted by local security personnel.

The governor sternly warned that no one has the right to take another person’s life, emphasizing that the brutal nature of the killings was deeply disturbing and a major concern for him.

He said: “I can assure you that the people 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 I speak now, over four persons have been arrested for their involvement in this ugly incidence.”

He appealed for calm, reassuring law-abiding residents of Uromi, particularly the Hausa community, to carry on with their daily activities without fear, as the Nigerian Police and other security agencies have been deployed to restore peace and order in the area.