The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of 16 hunters in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area. The attack happened on Thursday and has been widely condemned, including by President Bola Tinubu, who called it an act of jungle justice.
The victims, all hunters reportedly from northern Nigeria, were travelling in a truck from Rivers State to Kano for the upcoming Sallah celebration. According to police reports, the vehicle was intercepted at Udune Efandion by a local vigilante group. Upon searching the truck, vigilantes discovered locally made Dane guns, standard equipment for traditional hunters. However, the discovery reportedly sparked alarm among the vigilantes, who suspected the hunters of being kidnappers.
As tensions escalated, a mob gathered. In a shocking turn of events, the situation quickly spiraled out of control, leading to the lynching of 16 individuals. Viral footage from the incident shows the victims being tied to used tyres, doused in petrol, and set ablaze while onlookers recorded and cheered. Their truck was also torched.
The Edo State Police Command, in a swift response, launched an investigation that led to the arrest of 14 suspects allegedly involved in the attack. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, detailed the chain of events leading to the tragedy.
“On March 27, 2025, a truck with registration number KKF 225 XA, conveying 25 travellers from Elele, Rivers State, was stopped by members of a local vigilante group in Uromi. Some of the travellers were found in possession of locally made Dane guns and were arrested. During this process, an alarm was raised, labeling them as suspected kidnappers. This incitement led to a violent mob attack in which 16 of the travellers were lynched, and their vehicle was set ablaze,” the police statement read.
The police further assured the public that investigations are ongoing to identify all those involved in the extrajudicial killings, with a promise to bring them to justice.
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Published by Ejoh Caleb
