Tears flowed in Uromi, Edo State, as the remains of the 19 hunters, who were lynched by a mob on accusations of being kidnappers, were interred. The incident has raised significant concerns about ethnic profiling and mob violence in Nigeria. A call for justice.
Communities across the North are fearful of potential reprisals, igniting tensions that could have long-lasting implications.
The killed hunters, all members of the Hausa community, were originally traveling in a Dangote Cement truck when they were intercepted by local security guards early in the afternoon. Following a search which uncovered locally-made firearms, the guards raised the alarm, leading to an immediate and violent mob reaction that resulted in the hunters being burned to death.
A video of the funeral rites shared on social media showed mourners gathered in a somber atmosphere, offering prayers for the deceased. The speaker in the video referred to the victims as “brothers who were killed for us” and lamented the brutal circumstances of their deaths. As the community grieved, reports indicated that the death toll had risen to 19, with many families mourning their loved ones who were victims of mistaken identity and mob justice.
The Ojuromi of Uromi, Anselm Aidenojie II, alongside Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, condemned the killings during a visit to the burial site. He remarked on the need for justice, affirming that security agencies were cooperating to ensure those responsible for this atrocity were held accountable.
Northern Governors Mobilize for Peace
In the wake of the tragedy, northern governors from the region have initiated measures to stave off possible retaliations. The Northern Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, has publicly called for calm and restraint among its constituents. They stress the importance of maintaining peace, particularly as the community approaches the Eid el-Fitr celebrations, which could be marred by tensions if retaliation occurs.
While some states have heightened security protocols, including the Nasarawa State Government, which emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward disturbances, others, like Borno State, are observing the situation closely, with police increasing patrols ahead of local festivities.
In an unsettling development, social media has seen outrage from northern political figures, with some individuals offering bounties for the capture of those involved in the lynchings. Ibrahim Sanusi, a member of the Social Democratic Party, has taken to his verified social media account to encourage action, raising concerns that such calls for vigilante justice could further inflame tensions and distrust between communities.
The Coalition of Northern Groups and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum have denounced these sentiments, urging that the matter be left to law enforcement to avoid escalation. They highlight the necessity for a measured response to ensure that the law is upheld and the rights of all citizens are protected.
Petitions and Calls for Justice
As anger continues to swell across the northern regions, a petition addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police has emerged, demanding justice for the 16 murdered hunters. The petition emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation, accountability for law enforcement’s failure to protect the victims, and action against those who incited violence.
Survivors of the incident have shared their harrowing experiences, with testimonies indicating a stark contrast between the allegations of being armed kidnappers and the reality of their hunting activities. Survivors maintain that their weapons were legal and used solely for hunting purposes, underscoring the dangers of mob justice driven by misinformation and stereotypes.
Political and Community Responses
The House of Representatives has called for security agencies to act decisively against those responsible for the killings. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas labeled the murders as “barbaric” and urged citizens to refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
Human rights advocates, including prominent lawyer Femi Falana, joined the chorus of condemnation, calling for expedient justice for the victims and accountability for those responsible for allowing this violence to transpire. The Northern Senators Forum has also expressed dismay, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent further violations of human rights.
Meanwhile, community leaders within the Hausa ethnic group across various states have condemned the attacks, demanding that authorities take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future and to address the underlying issues of ethnic bias and security lapses.
The potential for reprisal violence looms large, compounding the existing ethnic and regional tensions in Northern Nigeria and raising critical questions about governance, justice, and the safety of travelers across the country. The implications of this incident may resonate beyond Uromi, affecting inter-ethnic relationships and regional stability in the months to come.