.Tinubu orders manhunt, Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso demand justice
In the wake of the brutal killing of Northern hunters in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the act, directing security agencies to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The victims, who were traveling through Uromi on March 27, 2025, were intercepted by local vigilantes and accused of being kidnappers before being lynched by an irate mob. The tragic event has since sparked national outrage, with political leaders, civil society groups, and human rights organizations demanding swift justice and urgent reforms to curb mob violence and jungle justice in Nigeria.
Tinubu: Jungle Justice Has No Place in Nigeria
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, on March 28, 2025, President Tinubu expressed shock over the dastardly act, assuring Nigerians that his administration would not allow criminals to spill the blood of innocent citizens without consequences.
“Jungle justice has no place in Nigeria. Every Nigerian has the right to move freely across the country without fear of unlawful attacks,” Tinubu stated.
Commiserating with the families of the victims, the President reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law, while also commending Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and Uromi community leaders for their swift response in preventing further escalation of tensions.
Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso Call for Swift Action
Prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have also condemned the killings, calling for a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation.
Atiku Abubakar: “Justice Must Be Seen to Be Done”
Atiku, in a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on March 28, 2025, described the killings as a grave injustice that must not go unpunished.
“This unfortunate incident demands a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to uncover and ensure that those responsible are brought to book. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore public confidence in our security institutions,” Atiku stated.
He urged security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to prevent further cases of jungle justice in the country.
Peter Obi: “A Recurring Tragedy in Our Decaying Society”
Peter Obi, in his own reaction, lamented the continued pattern of mob violence in Nigeria, stating that such acts had no place in any civilized society.
“Reports indicate that these individuals were accused of being kidnappers, leading to their brutal murder by a mob. While addressing security concerns is crucial, resorting to extrajudicial measures undermines the rule of law and exacerbates the cycle of violence,” Obi stated.
He commended the government for initiating an investigation but urged that justice should also be served for Edo indigenes who have been victims of similar killings.
Kwankwaso: “A Harrowing Display of Mob Injustice”
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, also condemned the attack in a statement on his personal Facebook page, describing it as a harrowing display of mob injustice.
“It is a general perception that citizens all over the country must be able to move about without intimidation or harassment. I appeal to the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this tragic incident and prosecute the offenders,” he said.
Kwankwaso extended condolences to the victims’ families and called for national unity to prevent ethnic profiling.
The Uromi Massacre: What Happened?
According to eyewitness reports, the victims, who were mostly Hausa hunters, were traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Eid celebrations when they were stopped by local vigilantes in Udune Efandion, Uromi.
The vigilantes reportedly discovered dane guns, traditional hunting weapons, in their possession and immediately accused them of being kidnappers. A crowd quickly gathered, and, without verifying their identities or contacting security agencies, the travelers were set upon by a violent mob.
READ ALSO: Uromi Massacre: A Tragic Reminder of Dangers of Mob Justice
Some victims were brutally beaten, while others were burned alive as their truck was set ablaze. Viral videos of the attack, showing helpless victims pleading for their lives, have further fueled national outrage.
Government Action and Ongoing Investigations
The Edo State government has launched an immediate probe, with Governor Monday Okpebholo vowing that those responsible will be held accountable. Already, five suspects have been arrested, with authorities vowing to apprehend all those involved.
Security operatives have also increased their presence in Uromi and surrounding areas to prevent retaliatory attacks and further unrest.
The Growing Crisis of Mob Justice in Nigeria
The Uromi killings are not an isolated incident. Across Nigeria, mob justice has become a troubling trend, often fueled by ethnic tensions, misinformation, and public distrust in law enforcement.
Notable Cases of Jungle Justice in Nigeria
1. Aluu Four (2012) – Four university students were lynched in Rivers State after being falsely accused of robbery.
2. Ejigbo Torture Case (2013) – A woman and her daughters were tortured for allegedly stealing pepper.
3. Deborah Samuel’s Killing (2022) – A student was stoned to death in Sokoto over alleged blasphemy.
4. Lagos Ban on Okada Riders (2023) – A mob set motorcycles on fire, attacking riders amid rising tensions.
Lessons from the Uromi Massacre
1. Strengthening Law Enforcement
Vigilantes must be properly trained to avoid wrongful accusations.
Community policing should focus on due process rather than mob action.
2. Combating Misinformation
Many lynchings begin with false rumors spread on social media.
Government agencies should educate the public on the dangers of jungle justice.
3. Swift and Transparent Justice
Arrests must lead to convictions, not just political statements.
The public must see that mob violence has consequences.
4. Addressing Ethnic Profiling
Many victims of mob justice are targeted due to ethnic or religious bias.
A nationwide campaign against ethnic stereotyping is necessary to foster national unity.
Justice for the Uromi 16: A Call for Change
The Uromi killings are a stark reminder of the urgent need for legal reforms to prevent further bloodshed. If unchecked, mob justice will continue to claim innocent lives.
For Nigeria to move forward, the government must ensure that the Uromi 16 do not die in vain. Their killers must be brought to justice, and decisive actions must be taken to end the cycle of lawlessness.
Conclusion
With national leaders, civil society groups, and security agencies now involved, all eyes are on the Nigerian justice system. Will this be another case where the guilty go free, or will the Uromi massacre mark a turning point in ending jungle justice in Nigeria?
The victims deserve justice, and Nigeria deserves peace.