Edo Killing: Police Arrest 14 Suspects As Tinubu Orders Manhunt For Killers Of Northern Hunters
LAGOS MARCH 30TH (NEWSRANGERS)-The Edo State Police Command last night confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects in connection with the Thursday attack on a travelling party of hunters at Udune Efandion,an Uromi community in the Esan North Local Government of the state.
Sixteen of the hunters said to be from the North on a hunting expedition to Rivers state were allegedly killed by members of a vigilance group during the attack which President Bola Tinubu yesterday condemned as jungle justice.
The vigilance members claimed they suspected the victims to be kidnappers on account of dane guns found in their possession.
Tinubu ordered that all the brains behind the attack be fished out and punished accordingly.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo visited the scene yesterday to assess the situation.
He called the attack barbaric and ordered a probe.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum said it was horrific murder.
It said extrajudicial violence was entirely unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned with the utmost severity.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin had a similar opinion and asked for punishment of the perpetrators.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Moses Yamu said justice would be served in respect of the attack.
The command, according to him, was dedicated to ensuring justice for the victims.
He added that no stone would be left unturned in the ongoing investigation.
The police spokesman said a truck carrying 25 travellers from Elele, Rivers, was intercepted by a vigilance group at Uromi.
During the stop, the police spokesperson said some of the travellers were found with locally made dane guns. This raised suspicion among the local security men.
“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised the alarm, claiming the travellers were suspected kidnappers. This led some community members and passers-by to attack and lynch 16 occupants.
“The truck conveying them was also set on fire,” Yamu said.
Police operatives from the Uromi Division got wind of the incident and swiftly moved to the scene.
Ten of the travellers were rescued. Two were wounded and were rushed to the hospital.
They are said to be responding to treatment.
“In the course of investigations, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime. An emergency meeting was also convened with stakeholders and community members,” Yamu said.
A unit of Police Mobile Force personnel, along with other tactical teams, has been deployed to the area ostensibly to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Yamu quoted Police Commissioner Betty Otimenyin as urging peaceful coexistence among groups.
“She also cautioned against any form of reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that could escalate tensions,” the police spokesperson stated.
Tinubu directs manhunt for perpetrators
Reacting to the incident yesterday, President Tinubu expressed shock at the incident and directed the Police and other security agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigations and punish the suspected culprits.
He commiserated with the families of the victims and assured them that criminals would not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians in vain.
The President noted that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria, and all Nigerians have the freedom to move freely in any part of the country.
President Tinubu commended Governor Okpebholo, and community leaders in Uromi for their swift response to avert the escalation of tension.
Edo Gov on visit to scene of attack orders probe
Governor Okpebholo visited the scene yesterday to personally assess the situation.
He called the attack barbaric and told the state police command to conduct thorough and speedy investigations into the matter and bring those found culpable to book.
He also charged the community to work with the security agencies to fish out the culprits.
His spokesman, Fred Itua, said in a statement that the governor commended community leaders, especially the leadership of Arewa community in the area, for deescalating tensions and handling the situation with restrain.”
The governor promised justice for the victims.
“The Governor said there is no excuse for the vigilante members to take the law into their hands without recourse to statutory law enforcement agencies,” Itua said.
Northern govs condemn killings
The Northern States Governors’ Forum said the attack was a gross violation of human rights, and extrajudicial violence entirely unacceptable.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya said the action of the vigilance group members undermined the rule of law and “the very fabric of our society.”
Yahaya said the forum was “deeply disturbed by the loss of innocent lives and the horrific manner in which these individuals were attacked.”
He added: “It is imperative that the relevant authorities conduct a full and thorough investigation into this senseless act. The perpetrators must be identified, arrested, and brought to justice swiftly.”
Barau wants killers arrested, prosecuted
Senator Barau branded the killings barbaric, inhumane, and devilish.
He vowed to sponsor a motion in the Senate to ensure that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.
The Nation
For media advert placement, events coverage, media consultancy, placement of publications and further inquiries please WhatsApp 2348023773039 or email: labakevwe@yahoo.com
Short URL: https://newsrangers.com/?p=134169
Posted by News Rangers
on Mar 30 2025. Filed under National.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
