Kaduna, Nigeria — The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Sunday condemned the brutal killing of 16 hunters in Edo State, promising that those responsible will face justice. The tragic event occurred on March 28, 2025, when a mob mistakened the hunters for kidnappers during their journey to Kano from Rivers State to celebrate Eid with their families.
Eyewitness reports indicate that the group was stopped by a vigilante group, leading to a fatal misunderstanding that resulted in the hunters being lynched. Authorities confirmed that 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, during which 16 victims were reportedly set ablaze while 10 were rescued by police.
Governor Monday Okpehbolo has since reached out to the families of the victims and local leaders, denouncing the killings and assuring them of the government’s commitment to justice. The Edo State government has also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.), along with all unregulated vigilante groups operating illegally.
Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, stated that General Musa condemned the mob action, explaining that the situation could have been avoided had officials been alerted to verify the victims’ identities. “This should serve as a reminder for Nigerians to rely on proper security channels instead of taking laws into their own hands,” Gusau said.
The killing has sparked widespread outrage among various groups in the North, with many leaders calling for calm and urging citizens to avoid retaliation. The message was echoed by Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, during an Eid sermon where he urged youth against revenge, reminding them of the Islamic prohibition on vengeance.
In Iwo, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi, also condemned the act, stating that Nigerians should have the right to live anywhere without fear of violence. He insisted on the importance of protecting all citizens, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) joined in the condemnation of the killings, stressing the significance of law enforcement and adherence to due process. Archbishop Daniel Okoh of CAN described the mob action as lawlessness and urged for a thorough investigation into the heinous act.
The victims’ families and community leaders have expressed their desire for justice while urging the government to ensure peace is maintained. Alhaji Badamosi Saleh, Head of Hausa Community in Edo State, encouraged his people not to resort to violence, emphasizing faith in the government’s response to the incident.
The current situation in Edo highlights underlying tensions and the urgent need for a comprehensive evaluation of state security measures, as voiced by the Edo State People’s Democratic Party, which criticized the government’s response as an admission of failure in security management. They called for a complete overhaul of the security framework in the region.
The events surrounding this tragic incident continue to unfold as investigations are ongoing and community leaders seek to ensure that peace is upheld and that respect for the law prevails across Nigeria.
