The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Sunday, strongly condemned the killing of 16 hunters in Edo State, vowing that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
The CDS pledged, as the Edo State government said, that Governor Monday Okpehbolo had reached out to the victims’ families, the Hausa community leaders in the state, and the northern governors about the incident.
About 14 suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the tragic incident.
A mob killed the hunters in Uromi, Edo State, last Thursday while travelling to Kano from Rivers State to celebrate Eid with their families.
The incident was said to have happened when the truck conveying them was stopped by a vigilante group, and the men who were found with dane guns were lynched by the interceptors who mistook them for kidnappers.
No fewer than 16 victims were set ablaze, while 10 were rescued by the police. Those who died in the incident were buried on Saturday.
The incident has been widely condemned by various northern groups, state governments, and lawmakers.
In a statement on Sunday by the Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the CDS stated that the tragic incident could have been prevented had the appropriate authorities been notified to verify the identities of the victims.
It read, “Gen Christopher Musa has condemned in strong terms the unfortunate killing of hunters while on transit in Edo State. The incident, which occurred on 28 March 2025, could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities were notified and involved in ascertaining the identity of the victims.
“Gen Musa condoled with the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the families of those who lost their lives.”
He also urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead rely on security agencies for conflict resolution.
Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will collaborate with the police and other security agencies to ensure justice is served.
The statement added, “The CDS also urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands but always revert to constituted authority in matters that affect security. The Nigeria Police, military, and other security agencies are well trained to handle such matters.
“The Chief of Defence Staff assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.”
He warned vigilante groups, hunters and others to register with relevant agencies to regulate the possession of firearms.
Musa also admonished local hunters and vigilante groups to register with the police, Department of State Services, AFN and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of firearms while calling on vigilante groups to always revert to police for appropriate action.
Security chief suspended
Meanwhile, Okpehbolo has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.), over the March 27 killing of the 16 travellers.
The Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, confirmed Ibadin’s suspension and all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state in a statement on Sunday.
The statement read, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that after a review of the preliminary report of the unfortunate incident of Thursday 27th March, 2025 at Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State involving the gruesome killing of some travellers, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state.
“Also suspended is the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd). It is to be reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of 27th March was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps.
“Its actions do not reflect the core values, character and principles of the Okpebholo administration, or the objectives of the corps as enshrined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.
“Investigations into the killings are ongoing and 14 persons have been arrested so far, while there is an intense manhunt for others involved in the gruesome killing by a special team set up by the Inspector-General of Police.”
The state government reiterated its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country.
“In the meantime, the government is in touch with families of the victims, community leaders and the Government of Kano State, where most of the deceased are reported to hail from.
“We urge all parties involved to remain calm as the State Government remains committed to ensuring that justice is done in a most efficient, transparent and proactive manner,” the statement added.
Okpebholo peace efforts
The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, said the governor has reached out to the Hausa community to let them know that he is not in support of the act.
He explained that Okpehbolo has also charged the security operatives to ensure that such an occurrence does not take place again.
“I am sure the action the governor has taken will deter the aggrieved party from carrying out reprisal attacks because this is what usually happens.
“But such a reprisal is precipitated by delay in doing the right thing by bringing those involved to book. If they kill your person and you see those involved are being dealt with, it will reduce your desire to carry out reprisal attacks.
“But if they are allowed to walk freely, that will amount to calling the bluff of the aggrieved party. The police and other security agencies are also aware that occurrences like this breed reprisal attacks.
“On the side of the governor, he has instructed a thorough investigation because he sees the killing as barbaric and it is wrong for people to take laws into their own hands,” he stated.
On whether Okpebholo had reached out to the Northern governors, Ohonbamu said, “Senator Okpehbolo belongs to the Governor’s Forum, and I am sure that he has reached out to them to let them know the actions he has taken and the one he will take, which will not be made known to the public.
“It could have happened in another state, and I am sure the same step will also have been taken to douse tension.
“The first thing that will gladden the hearts of Northern governors is that the Edo State Government has shown that it is against the killing. He rushed down from Abuja by road to the scene of the incident, warned the people and promised that justice will be done.”
Sanusi wants justice
In a related development, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sañusi II, warned the youth in the state against reprisals, reminding them that revenge is strictly forbidden in Islam.
The monarch gave the warning during the Eid prayer sermon at the Kano Eid ground, Kofar Mata in Kano, on Sunday.
The Eid prayer was attended by the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, his entourage, and a large gathering of the Muslim faithful.
He called on the people of the state, especially the youths, to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to peaceful coexistence, stressing that any act of vengeance would undermine the pursuit of justice and destabilize the community.
The monarch, however, urged security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served for the Kano indigenes who were brutally killed in Edo State.
Sanusi emphasized the importance of justice in maintaining peace and stability in the country.
He said, “This matter must not be allowed to go unpunished. Justice must be done to prevent further escalation and ensure lasting peace.”
The Emir extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, urging them to seek redress through lawful and peaceful means.
He reminded the grieving families that justice can only be achieved through proper legal channels. The Eid prayer was conducted peacefully across the state.
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi, similarly condemned the brutal killing of the Hausa hunters, stressing that Nigerians should be free to live anywhere in the country without fear of intimidation and harassment.
The monarch spoke on Sunday after observing this year’s Eid-il-fitr prayer alongside many Muslims in Iwo.
Oba Akanbi, while praying for Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu, called on Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of Ramadan and not go back to the habits they dropped during Ramadan.
Oba Akanbi said, “I condemned the jungle justice on the Fulani hunters. They are Nigerians, and Nigerians should be protected at all times, anywhere. ‘’
CAN condemn act
The Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also flayed the mob action, describing it as lawless and a grave violation of human rights.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed deep sorrow over the extrajudicial killings, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and stronger law enforcement measures.
“This extrajudicial killing is a grievous violation of human rights and a chilling reminder of the dangers of lawlessness. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of these hunters, who now mourn the loss of their loved ones taken in such a senseless and brutal manner. Our thoughts are also with all families affected by recent acts of violence and injustice across Nigeria.
“These tragedies inflict profound pain and could erode trust in our legal system, highlighting the urgent need for effective law enforcement and the upholding of the rule of law. The government must act decisively to address these failures and ensure justice is served,” the statement partly read.
Okoh also called on Nigerians to unite for peace and security in the face of the current challenges while calling on the government to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“In the face of such challenges, we must not succumb to despair. Instead, let this moment spur us to unite for peace and security. I urge all Nigerians to practise charity, support those in need, and stand together against violence and division.
“Specifically, we call on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of the sixteen hunters and ensure the perpetrators face justice. Leaders at all levels must also promote understanding and reject mob actions. CAN reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with Muslim leaders, fostering interfaith initiatives to build a stronger nation,” he added.
The President highlighted the shared values between Christianity and Islam and further called on religious and community leaders to discourage mob violence and promote understanding among different faiths, while reaffirming the body’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and cooperation, emphasizing the need for a society where every life is valued and protected under the rule of law.
“As we extend our goodwill on this special occasion, let us all embrace compassion, forgiveness, and mutual respect. These values are the foundation of a society where justice prevails, and every life is protected,” the statement read.
The National Secretary of PFN, Bishop David Bakare, described the act as “barbaric and ungodly,” emphasising that even if the victims were mistaken for kidnappers, it was unacceptable for the people to take the law into their own hands.
Bakare appealed for calm, urging against reprisal attacks and emphasizing that “two wrongs cannot make a right.”
He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged the authorities to ensure that the culprits are brought to book.
Bakare said, “We strongly condemn this barbaric and ungodly act of killing travellers under any circumstances.
“Even if they were kidnappers, that does not warrant taking the law into our hands; the right thing was to hand them over to law enforcement agents for proper investigation and legal action.
“We urge that a thorough investigation must be carried out on this matter to ensure that the culprits are brought to book, no matter who they may be. We appeal against reprisals because two wrongs won’t make a right. Our prayers are with the families of the victims.”
Also, the spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akintunde Rotimi, called on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that Nigerians should coexist peacefully regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
Rotimi, who represents Ekiti North I Federal Constituency, spoke on Saturday in Ayede Ekiti during the Second Ramadan Annual Lecture he organised in honour of the National Vice President of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Aare Sulaiman Ogunlayi.
Rotimi said, “Nigerians should be able to coexist peacefully regardless of our cultural and traditional differences. There must be love and harmony among us.
“On behalf of the people of Ikole/Oye-Ekiti (Ekiti North I) Federal Constituency, we condemn the violent mob attack on those travellers in Edo State. We call on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice,” the lawmaker said.
Edo Hausa community
The Head of Hausa Community in Edo State, Alhaji Badamosi Saleh, said that his people had been advised not to take laws into their own hands, pointing out that the government is taking steps to bring to book all those connected with the crime.
He said his members had been told to remain crime as the security agencies have arrested some of the perpetrators, adding that they are apprising their people in the North of the situation.
He said, “We have told our people not to take laws into their hands. We have seen the action of the government and we can see that they are not relenting, which has made us calm.
“We have also spoken to our people in the North and have told them that the situation is under control and that Governor Okpehbolo is working to ensure that those that committed the crime are brought to book. The governor’s action gives us joy.
“We were there with the security agencies when the governor came to Uromi on Friday. The police, the DSS and the fourth brigade commander were all there. We commend their effort.
“The police are already going after the people that committed the crime, and some have already been arrested. We are sure that anyone that has something to do with the killing will be prosecuted.”
In the same vein, the Secretary of the Arewa Community in the 17 southern states and the Senior Special Assistant to Gov Dapo Abiodun on Inter Ethnic Affairs, Hadi Sani, assured that the condemnable killing of 16 Hausa hunters would not lead to reprisal attacks in any part of the country.
He said that engagement has already been activated to ensure that nothing disrupts the peaceful coexistence between the Hausas and other ethnic groups in the southern part of the country.
Sani, who condemned this unfortunate incident, describing it as disheartening and barbaric, however, said that such lawless incident should not be used as a yardstick to generalise the southern Nigeria ties with the northerners
“However, we can assure the good people of Ogun State that there can’t be any reprisal attack as we are sensitizing our people on the effort taken so far by the government to bring the perpetrators to book.
“Such effort includes Edo State governor leading a delegation to the community to sympathize with them and direct on immediate arrest of the perpetrators, which is ongoing.
“Also, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. There is also obvious evidence of a series of arrests of the alleged perpetrators.
“As an Arewa Community regional representative and peaceful coexistence expert, we cannot allow this issue to degenerate into regional conflict, rather, we will ensure the security agencies should do their job diligently to ensure the perpetrators face the law and justice is been served accordingly to prevent future occurrences.”
The Arewa Consultative Forum National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, in Kaduna on Sunday, condemned the Edo incident, describing it as part of a larger pattern of attacks and harassment of Northerners in Southern Nigeria.
“The tragic incident at Uromi, Edo State, cannot be isolated from the pattern of ethnic profiling and vigilante meted out to Northerners as they seek to eke out livelihoods in Southern Nigeria,” the group alleged.
The President of the Southern Youth Association of Nigeria, Pastor Okikiola Fayomi, joined others in calling on the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.
Fayomi, while sympathising with the families of the victims, urged the northerners to also ensure that this condemnable act did not trigger any form of reprisal attack that could hurt the much cherished peaceful coexistence in the country.
PDP slams Okpebholo
But the Edo State People’s Democratic Party Caretaker Committee said the suspension of Ibadin is a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed.
The Publicity Secretary of the committee, Chris Nehikare, in a statement, said the incident indicated deep-rooted inefficiencies of the state’s security outfit.
“The suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.) is a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed,’’ the party pointed out.
To avoid a reoccurrence and prove the security in the state, the PDP called for a comprehensive audit and overhaul of the Edo State Security Corps.
