Tears and anguish filled the air in Uromi, Edo State, on Saturday as the remains of 16 hunters lynched by a mob were laid to rest. The victims, accused of being kidnappers, were brutally murdered and set ablaze on Friday, sparking outrage across the nation.
Solemn Burial Amidst Grief
Members of the Hausa community gathered at the cemetery to bid their final farewell to the slain hunters. Videos shared on social media captured the funeral rites, with mourners praying over the wrapped bodies before their interment in a mass grave.
One mourner, narrating in Hausa, expressed sorrow and solidarity: “May God bless them with mercy, forgive them, and accept their martyrdom.” He confirmed that the total number of victims had risen to 19, as additional bodies were recovered.
A grieving mother was seen clutching the grave’s edge, weeping: “My son was not a kidnapper! He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time!” Another mourner, a father, held onto his son’s photograph, mourning his loss.
Edo Government and Police Take Action
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, alongside the Ojuromi of Uromi, Anselm Aidenojie II, visited the Hausa community, condemning the killings. The governor assured residents that those responsible would be held accountable.
The Edo State Police Command announced the arrest of 14 suspects in connection with the attack. Police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, reiterated that security agencies were working to prevent further violence.
Northern Governors Call for Restraint
Fearing reprisals, northern governors have initiated peace efforts. The Director-General of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF), Ismaila Misili, stated that individual governors had engaged key stakeholders to maintain peace, especially ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
“Religious leaders continue to promote peaceful coexistence and discourage actions that could disrupt the harmony we have worked hard to build,” Misili noted.
In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule placed security forces on high alert to prevent any retaliatory attacks. His Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, emphasized that the state had no room for such violent acts.
In Borno State, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, said the government was still assessing the situation. However, the state’s police command assured residents that heightened security measures were in place for the Sallah celebrations.
Social Media Outrage and Bounty on Attackers
As news of the lynching spread, social media was flooded with outrage. Some Arewa users on platform X (formerly Twitter) demanded justice, with Abuja-based Social Democratic Party member, Ibrahim Sanusi, offering a N1 million bounty for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“If you have any information, please come forward. #JusticeForUromi16,” Sanusi tweeted.
Despite the anger, the Coalition of Northern Groups and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum cautioned against resorting to self-help, warning that it could escalate tensions across the country.
A Call for Justice and Unity
As investigations continue, Nigerians are calling for justice, transparency, and unity in the wake of this tragic incident. The Federal Government and security agencies are under pressure to ensure that such incidents do not recur, preserving peace across ethnic and regional divides.
