The House of Representatives has strongly condemned the killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, describing the incident as a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law.
The House, through its spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, called on security agencies to swiftly identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for the attack.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Rotimi expressed the House’s deep concern over the tragic incident, noting that the killing of innocent travellers was unacceptable.
He emphasized the directives from President Bola Tinubu and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, urging law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We acknowledge the directives of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, instructing security agencies to conduct an urgent investigation. The House urges law enforcement to ensure all perpetrators are promptly identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement read.
The House also took note of the intervention by security agencies, which led to the rescue of survivors and the arrest of some suspects. However, it stressed that justice must be swift and thorough, with all those involved, including those who incited or enabled the attack, being held accountable.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, in his reaction, condemned the killings as “barbaric, cowardly, and unacceptable.”
He stated that such acts of brutality had no place in a society that upholds the sanctity of human life, a principle deeply rooted in both Islamic and Christian teachings.
“It is deeply disturbing that in our nation, fellow citizens can be subjected to such heinous violence, especially when our faith traditions teach us to honour the sanctity of every human life,” Abbas was quoted as saying in the statement.
The Speaker further urged Nigerians to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions. He emphasized the need for a collective effort by security agencies, community leaders, and citizens to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“Beyond immediate justice, this tragic incident calls the urgent need for a national conversation on mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic profiling, which threaten our collective peace and unity,” he added.
Read also: Tinubu, Nigerians unite to demand justice for Uromi killings
The House however, called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance response mechanisms, and implement proactive measures to prevent mob justice. It also urged community leaders, religious institutions, and traditional rulers to foster mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law within their communities.
Additionally, the House appealed to civil society organizations and the media to promote legal awareness, civic responsibility, and objective reporting to combat mob violence and uphold justice.
Reiterating its commitment to the rule of law, the House emphasized that mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic targeting must not be tolerated in a civilised society.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with all those who seek justice and peace. As representatives of the people, we remain resolute in our duty to protect the fundamental rights of every citizen and ensure that no act of lawlessness goes unpunished,” the statement concluded.
