President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate manhunt for the killers of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State. According to a statement released on Friday, Tinubu condemned the irate mob, ordering security operatives to apprehend the criminals.
While expressing shock at the gruesome act, Tinubu urged the police to commence a swift investigation into the issue. Further, the president mourned with the families of the victims, assuring them that the criminals would be apprehended.
He went on to bemoan “jungle justice”, insisting that it has no place in Nigerian society. Also, the president mentioned that all Nigerians have the right to move freely anywhere within the country.
The unfortunate accident at Uromi, Edo State has caught the attention of well-meaning Nigerians, with the majority demanding justice. Alongside Tinubu, groups like the Northern States Governors’ Forum, the National Association of Nigerian Students, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Arewa Youth Forum, and many others all faulted the lynching.
Similarly, Nigerian lawmakers have called on the Nigerian government to ensure justice prevails.
What Happened in Uromi, Edo State
On Friday, the victims who claimed to be hunters were traveling from Port Harcourt in a Dangote truck before they were stopped by vigilantes stationed at Uromi, Edo State. Upon searching, the local security men discovered some locally made guns in the vehicle.
Thereafter, the group attracted the attention of passersby who pounced on the victims without hesitation. As reported, the travelers pleaded with the mob insisting they were hunters.
However, the plea fell on deaf ears, as the group insisted the travelers were kidnappers, due to the rampant kidnapping that ravaged the area. The invention of the police rescued 10 of the travelers, with 16 already dead.
Additionally, 2 out of the survivors suffered a heavy degree of burns but are currently responding to treatment the Edo State Police Command confirms.
