Uromi Mourns: 19 Hunters Lynched in Mob Violence
On Saturday, sorrow engulfed the community of Uromi, Edo State, as the remains of 19 lynched hunters were laid to rest. The tragic incident, which occurred the previous day, left family members, friends, and the entire community in mourning as they gathered at the local cemetery to bid farewell to their loved ones.
A Deadly Misunderstanding Turns Violent
The fatal attack unfolded on Friday when a group of hunters from northern Nigeria traveled in a Dangote Cement truck. Local security guards stopped the vehicle around 1:30 pm and searched it. Upon discovering locally made guns—used for hunting—the guards mistakenly accused the men of being kidnappers. The situation escalated quickly as an enraged mob attacked the hunters and set them on fire.
A Heartbreaking Funeral
The victims’ burial took place on Saturday in a solemn ceremony. Security analyst Zagazola Makama shared a video capturing the grief-stricken community. The footage, lasting one minute and 29 seconds, showed mourners from the Hausa community paying their last respects. Bodies wrapped in cloth lay beside a mass grave as an imam led the funeral prayers. Overwhelmed by the number of deaths, the community opted for a mass burial.
Families Mourn in Anguish
Among the mourners, emotions ran high. A grieving mother clung to the grave, crying, “My son was not a kidnapper! He was in the wrong place at the wrong time!” Nearby, a father held up a photograph of his deceased son, his face filled with disbelief. The raw sorrow underscored the innocent nature of the victims and the deep pain their families endured.
Local Leaders Condemn the Killings
The Ojuromi of Uromi, Anselm Aidenojie II, and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo visited the Hausa community during the burial. They condemned the brutal attack and assured residents that those responsible would face justice. Aidenojie promised to prevent further violence and emphasized that such a tragedy should never happen again.
Police Public Relations Officer Moses Yamu confirmed that 14 suspects had been arrested. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure justice is served.
Preventing Reprisals: Northern Governors Take Action
In the aftermath of the killings, northern governors acted swiftly to prevent retaliatory violence. Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, urged calm. He highlighted ongoing efforts to engage local leaders and maintain peace, particularly with the Eid el-Fitr celebrations approaching.
In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule placed security forces on high alert, directing them to act swiftly against any threats to peace. Meanwhile, the Borno State Government increased patrols to safeguard Sallah celebrations.
Social Media Demands Justice
The killings sparked outrage online, particularly among northern Nigerians. Ibrahim Sanusi, a Social Democratic Party member in Abuja, offered a N1 million reward for information leading to the attackers’ arrests. His post went viral, amassing over 1,500 retweets.
Despite the public anger, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) urged restraint. CNG’s national coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, called for a swift police investigation, while AYCF President Yerima Shettima emphasized legal action over retaliation.
Nationwide Calls for Government Action
Ibrahim Sanusi and over 100 others launched a Change.org petition demanding immediate action from President Bola Tinubu. The petition, describing the killings as ethnic profiling and a human rights violation, had gathered over 270 signatures by Saturday evening. The signatories called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
Survivors Share Their Horror
Some survivors of the attack recounted their terrifying experiences. Dayahu Yahaya, who sat in the truck’s front seat, described how vigilantes stopped the vehicle and began beating the driver. He insisted that their guns were legally registered, but the mob ignored his pleas, killing his fellow hunters.
Another survivor, Mustapha from Katsina State, narrowly escaped. As the mob attacked, he fled to the local Hausa community, which hid him until he could leave town safely.
Political and Legal Responses
The House of Representatives condemned the killings. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas called the act “barbaric, cowardly, and unacceptable.” He urged Nigerians to reject mob justice and trust the legal system.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also demanded swift prosecution. He criticized Nigeria’s rising cases of mob violence and called for stronger legal measures to prevent such tragedies.
The Northern Senators Forum echoed these concerns, urging the Edo State Government to prosecute all those involved. They described the killings as a severe human rights violation and called for immediate justice.
Religious and Cultural Leaders Speak Out
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, denounced the killings and urged the government to address rising insecurity. Leaders of the Hausa community in Jos, Plateau State, also condemned the tragedy.
Alhaji Sabiu Ibrahim, a prominent Hausa leader in Jos, demanded a thorough investigation. He emphasized that mob justice should never claim innocent lives.
A Nation Demands Change
The brutal lynching of 19 hunters in Uromi has reignited national concerns about mob violence, ethnic profiling, and insecurity. Nigerians demand accountability and systemic reforms to prevent future tragedies.
As investigations continue, the nation watches closely, hoping for justice and meaningful change.
