By Ayodele Oni
Tension has gripped Uromi community in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State following the gruesome killing of some travelers by a mob.
Report stated that some travelers, mostly Hausa, from Port Harcourt were waylaid at Uromi on suspicion that they were kidnappers.
The suspicion, it was gathered, was based on the fact that most of the passengers, traveling for Sallah celebrations were armed with guns.
They were reportedly accosted by members of vigilantes in the community that now invited youths to attack them leading to the death of several persons, while others were beaten to stupor among the travellers.
Before security agents could intercede, the victims had been brutalized leading to death of several of them while the vehicle in which they were traveling was set ablaze.
A Member Representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Marcus Onobun has condemned the alleged killing of seven persons of Northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East in a trending online video.
Onobun, in a reaction to the situation, described the Jungle Justice style as alien to the people of Edo State, who he said are hospitable and not hostile.
The House of Representatives Member decried the worsening security situation in the state, which has created fear in the minds of the people of Edo State.
While stressing that the situation in which the jungle justice was carried out is still sketchy, he called on security agencies including the Inspector General of Police to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
Onobun however called on President Tinubu to wade into the security challenges faced by residents of Edo state, adding that the protection of lives and properties should be made very sacrosanct.
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has also condemned the mob killing of 16 northerners in Uromi, Edo state on Thursday.
In a press statement signed by Yerima Shetima, President General, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) said the 16 innocent travellers from the northern part of the country lost their lives due to a horrifying display of mob injustice.
According to the statement, “we stands united in its outrage and condemnation of the horrific events that transpired on Thursday in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, Edo State, where 16 innocent travelers from Northern Nigeria tragically lost their lives due to a horrifying display of mob injustice.
“These victims, primarily Hausa hunters, were en route from Port Harcourt to Kano to celebrate the Sallah festivities when they fell prey to a brutal and misguided attack, fueled by false accusations and sheer ignorance.
“It is with deep sorrow that we learnt that these individuals were intercepted around 1:30 p.m. by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes.
“The subsequent actions of an irate mob, incited by unfounded claims of kidnapping, led to a grotesque act of barbarism that is both regrettable and unacceptable.
“The mob’s actions resulted in the loss of 16 precious lives, with some bodies tragically trapped inside the vehicle that was set ablaze
“We recognize the pain and anger that this incident has caused within the Hausa community in Uromi and beyond.
“However, we urge our brothers and sisters to remain calm and peaceful while also being vigilant. It is essential to resist the temptation for retaliation and instead seek justice through lawful means.
“The AYCF stands ready to support the community in advocating for their rights and ensuring that such an atrocity is never repeated.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and call upon the relevant authorities to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrators of this mob injustice to justice. We must work together to build a society where dialogue and understanding prevail over violence and ignorance.”
“The AYCF remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and unity among all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or regional backgrounds.
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