Tinubu Orders Manhunt for Killers of Northern Hunters in Edo, Condemns Jungle Justice

President Vows Swift Justice for Victims of Brutal Mob Attack

In a strong condemnation of the recent mob killing of northern hunters in Edo State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to immediately launch a manhunt for the perpetrators. He vowed that those responsible for the gruesome act would be apprehended and face the full weight of the law.

The President’s directive follows reports that a group of travelers, mostly hunters from the northern region, were brutally attacked and killed by local vigilantes in the Uromi community, Esan North Local Government Area of Edo State. The vigilantes had mistaken them for criminals, leading to a tragic case of jungle justice. Some of the victims were reportedly burned alive, while others were lynched by an enraged mob.

The horrifying incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with citizens and human rights groups condemning the growing trend of mob violence in the country.

A Case of Mistaken Identity Turns Deadly

According to reports, the victims were traveling from the South to Kano State for the upcoming Sallah celebrations when they were intercepted by local vigilantes. The community had been on high alert due to recent cases of kidnapping and banditry in the region, leading to heightened suspicion of unfamiliar faces.

Rather than reporting the travelers to the authorities for verification, the vigilantes took matters into their own hands, assuming the worst. Before the truth could be established, the group was attacked without mercy. Some were set ablaze, while others were beaten to death.

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Eyewitnesses recounted how some of the hunters pleaded for their lives, insisting they were not criminals. Unfortunately, their cries fell on deaf ears as the mob, driven by fear and anger, carried out the extrajudicial killings.

The police have since arrested at least four suspects connected to the killings, while others remain on the run.

Tinubu Condemns Act, Orders Immediate Action

Reacting to the shocking event, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow and anger, describing the killings as “a senseless act of lawlessness that must never be tolerated.”

In a statement released by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring that those behind the killings face swift and uncompromising justice.

“The rule of law must prevail at all times. No Nigerian should be subjected to mob action or extra-judicial killings, regardless of the circumstances. Security agencies must act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. This act of jungle justice will not go unpunished,” Tinubu declared.

He also sent his condolences to the families of the victims, assuring them that justice will be served and that “no innocent Nigerian will have their life taken unlawfully without consequences.”

Nationwide Outrage Over Senseless Killings

The incident has triggered a wave of condemnation from various quarters. Human rights organizations, legal experts, and political leaders have all voiced their concerns, calling for immediate action to put an end to mob justice in Nigeria.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) have condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric, inhumane, and a clear violation of fundamental human rights.”

In a strongly worded statement, the ACF spokesperson said:

“These innocent hunters lost their lives due to false suspicion and reckless actions. No one has the right to take the law into their hands. We demand swift justice and a nationwide awareness campaign to educate people on the dangers of mob violence.”

Similarly, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called for a full-scale investigation into the incident, urging security forces to ensure all perpetrators are brought to book.

Edo Police Vow to Bring All Perpetrators to Justice

In response to public outrage, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, has assured Nigerians that investigations are ongoing and that justice will be served.

“We have already apprehended four suspects, and we are actively tracking others involved. Nobody will escape justice. We will ensure that every individual responsible for this heinous crime faces the consequences,” he stated.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has also addressed the situation, condemning the attack and calling for calm within the affected communities. He urged citizens to allow law enforcement agencies to handle criminal matters rather than resorting to violence.

“Mob justice only leads to tragedy and injustice. We must work together to ensure our communities remain safe without turning to violence ourselves. The government is committed to strengthening security in the region to prevent further occurrences,” he assured.

Jungle Justice: A Dangerous Trend in Nigeria

The tragic killing of the hunters in Edo State has once again brought the issue of jungle justice to the forefront. Nigeria has seen a disturbing rise in cases where mobs take the law into their own hands, often leading to wrongful deaths.

Legal experts and activists argue that jungle justice thrives due to a lack of trust in the justice system, slow judicial processes, and inadequate policing. However, they stress that taking justice into one’s hands only leads to chaos, wrongful killings, and a breakdown of law and order.

Security expert, Dr. Femi Adelaja, noted:

“While community vigilance is important, there must be clear protocols for reporting suspected criminals to the authorities rather than resorting to mob violence. This incident shows the dangers of making assumptions without evidence.”

A Call for National Unity and Legal Justice

President Tinubu used the opportunity to remind Nigerians of the importance of national unity and legal justice, urging citizens to trust law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to violence.

“No Nigerian should live in fear of being wrongfully attacked by their fellow citizens. We must learn to uphold the rule of law and work towards a society where justice is administered fairly and properly,” he emphasized.

To ensure lasting change, the federal government has also announced plans to:

✅ Strengthen public awareness campaigns against jungle justice
✅ Improve community policing efforts
✅ Enforce stricter laws against mob violence
✅ Provide justice for victims and their families

A Demand for Accountability and Reform

The tragic events in Edo State have left a scar on the nation, reminding Nigerians of the urgent need for legal reforms and community awareness on lawful ways to handle security concerns.

With the entire country watching, Nigerians now await further updates as authorities intensify their efforts to track down all those responsible for the heinous crime.

One thing is clear: Justice must be served.