March 30, 2025
The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, has condemned in strong terms, the brutal killing of northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
General Musa who stated this on Sunday noted that the tragedy, which occurred on March 28, 2025, could have been avoided if authorities had verified the victims’ identities.
He explained that the victims were reportedly returning from Rivers State to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr when they were intercepted and allegedly lynched by a group of vigilante and armed youths.
Eyewitnesses said the victims were allegedly forced out from their vehicle, beaten, tied to tyre, doused with petrol and set on ablaze.
According to the CDS, ” Disturbing videos online show them pleading for their lives as a crowd looked on”.
Defence spokesperson Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Sunday, quoted Musa as urging Nigerians to avoid mob justice and allow security agencies to handle such matters.
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“The Nigeria Police, military, and other security forces are trained to manage these situations,” he said, assuring that authorities would ensure justice.
Musa also called for all local hunters and vigilante groups to register with the police, DSS, and Armed Forces to regulate fire arms possession.
He urged vigilante groups to report security concerns to the police instead of taking laws into their hands.
Meanwhile, the 19 victims have been buried, sparking nationwide outrage. Political leaders and citizens have condemned the attack, demanding swift action to bring the culprits to book and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
