President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of a group of traveling hunters by local vigilantes in the Uromi community of Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo State.
He described the attack as a “dastardly act” and directed security agencies to launch a swift and thorough investigation to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible.
In a statement issued on Thursday, President Tinubu expressed deep shock and sadness over the tragic incident. He assured the victims’ families that the government would not allow such criminal acts to go unpunished. “Criminals will not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians in vain,” the President stated.
The incident reportedly occurred when the hunters, who were traveling through the Uromi-Obajana Road, were intercepted by a local vigilante group. The hunters were found in possession of 19 locally fabricated firearms. Despite the hunters’ explanation that they were carrying the weapons for hunting purposes, the vigilantes accused them of being kidnappers. Without conducting any proper investigation or handing them over to the authorities, the vigilantes subjected the hunters to mob justice, which led to their death.
President Tinubu emphasized that jungle justice has no place in a civilized society and that all Nigerians have the constitutional right to move freely and safely within the country without fear of harm or harassment. “No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Justice must follow the due process of law, not mob action,” he stated.
The President directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other security agencies to take immediate action by conducting a detailed investigation and ensuring that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law. He assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to protecting lives and ensuring that justice is served swiftly.
President Tinubu also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, urging them to remain calm as the authorities work to bring those responsible to justice. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time. The government will do everything necessary to ensure justice is served and prevent such tragic incidents from recurring,” Tinubu said.
The President praised the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and community leaders in Uromi for their quick intervention, which helped prevent further escalation of tensions in the community. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities rather than resorting to self-help or violence.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, reinforced the President’s message, highlighting the importance of maintaining peace and security across the nation. “President Tinubu remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting the lives and property of every Nigerian. The swift response to this incident reflects the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward acts of lawlessness and mob violence,” Onanuga stated.
The President’s directive underscores the government’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice prevails. The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies have been tasked with ensuring that all those involved in the unlawful attack are held accountable. The administration has also reiterated its commitment to strengthening community policing and improving collaboration between local security outfits and formal law enforcement agencies to prevent future occurrences of similar incidents.
