Obi, Atiku condemn killing of travelling hunters in Edo, demand justice
Presidential candidates of the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, have condemned the killing of 16 travelling hunters in Edo State. They called for justice and an end to extrajudicial killings, emphasizing the need for better security measures.
The incident occurred in Uromi, where a vigilante group reportedly intercepted a truck carrying 25 travellers and accused them of being kidnappers. A mob then attacked and lynched 16 of them, while 10 others were rescued. Two of the victims who sustained injuries were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Following the killings, President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation. The Edo State Police Command also announced the arrest of 14 suspects linked to the attack and the burning of the victims’ truck.
Reacting to the tragedy, Peter Obi decried the increasing cases of mob killings in Nigeria, stating that such acts of violence have no place in a civilised society. He stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity or region, has the right to travel freely without fear of being attacked.
Obi also warned against extrajudicial actions, emphasizing that resorting to jungle justice undermines the rule of law and worsens violence. He urged the authorities to ensure that justice is served for all victims, including Edo indigenes affected by similar attacks.
Atiku Abubakar, in his reaction, called for a thorough and impartial investigation to hold those responsible accountable. He described the attack as unfortunate and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
The former vice-president stressed that the government must act swiftly to prevent future occurrences of mob violence. He added that justice must be served transparently to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
Both Obi and Atiku urged communities to work closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent extrajudicial killings and promote legal channels for justice. They emphasized that only a fair judicial process can ensure lasting peace and security across the country.
