Edo Massacre

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Federal and Edo State Governments have established a fact-finding committee to investigate the recent killings of 16 travellers in Uromi. 

Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo announced this during a meeting with a delegation from Kano State, led by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo.

Okpebholo expressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s discontent with the incident and emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all Nigerians. He also mentioned the need to address the underlying issues contributing to such violence.

Gwarzo thanked the governor for his response to the incident and shared that Kano has formed its own committee to verify the victims’ identities and next of kin. The governor assured that justice would be pursued transparently.

The meeting included various officials and culminated in a visit to Uromi, where they engaged with the local Hausa community.

By Uzair Adam

A high-powered delegation from the Kano State Government on Thursday departed for Edo State on a fact-finding and peace-building mission following the gruesome killing of 16 Kano travellers who were burnt to death in the Uromi community.

This was disclosed in a statement by Ibrahim Garba Shu’aibu, spokesperson to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, who said the visit aims to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and foster peaceful coexistence.

The Daily Reality reports that the committee was constituted in response to national outrage and concern over the violent attacks that led to multiple deaths and the displacement of residents, including indigenes of Kano living in the area.

The delegation is led by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo. It includes notable figures such as the Emir of Rano, Ambassador Mohammad Isa Umar, and commissioners from various ministries, including Religious Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Special Duties, and Women Affairs. Also in the team are the Chairman of Bunkure Local Government Area and other top officials.

Speaking at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport before departure, Deputy Governor Gwarzo emphasized the committee’s dedication to justice and peace.

“Our mandate is clear — to investigate, consult, and recommend sustainable solutions. This is not just a fact-finding mission, but a peace-building initiative aimed at restoring confidence and preventing further violence,” he said.

He noted that the tragic event last month has escalated tension in the area. During their week-long stay, the committee will meet with the Edo State Governor, security chiefs, traditional leaders, and civil society groups.

The statement also mentioned that the mission aligns with the Northern Governors Forum’s broader efforts to promote unity and address insecurity nationwide.

It concluded that “Further updates will be provided as the committee progresses with its engagement in Edo State. “

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Muhsin Ibrahim, PhD

Institute of African Studies, 

University of Cologne 

Blog: www.muhsin.in

By Anwar Usman

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, visited the Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State on Wednesday to offer his condolences and financial support to the families of the 16 travelers who were lynched in Uromi, Esan North East LGA of Edo State.

The DSP met with the grieving families, hailing from Bunkure, Kibiya, Rano, and Garko LGAs, at the At-Taqwa Mosque in Sabon Fegi, Bunkure LGA.

Together with the Senate Deputy President were the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the Managing Director of the North West Development Commission, Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, and other dignitaries.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Ismail Mudashir, and made available to journalists.

Barau assured the families of the victims that justice would be served and reiterated that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law.

He further stated that, in addition to the previously apprehended 14 suspects, two more individuals had been arrested in connection with the killings.

To ease the families’ hardships, Senator Barau announced a donation of N1 million to each of the 16 bereaved families, totaling N16 million.

The statement in part reads, “I am here to express my deepest sympathies for the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 16 of our brothers last Thursday. May Allah grant them Jannatul Firdaus and provide swift recovery to those injured,” Senator Barau stated.

“The incident deeply troubled me. I immediately contacted the state governor, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders. They acted promptly, leading to the arrest of 14 suspects initially and, subsequently, two more. The state governor, who visited me in Abuja, has assured me of the state government’s support,” he added.

Earlier, the Chief Imam of the area, Sheik Zainul Abidina Auwal, while speaking on behalf of the families, expressed gratitude to Senator Barau for his efforts in pursuing justice and lauded him as a leader vital for the nation’s progress

By Uzair Adam  

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has visited the Kano State Government and the families of 16 hunters burned to death by criminals in Uromi, Edo State, to offer condolences.  

Speaking at the Government House, Okpebholo expressed shock over the incident and confirmed that 14 suspects had been arrested.  

The Daily Reality reports that the governor assured justice for the victims’ families.  

Similarly, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, urged Okpebholo to ensure the culprits are punished.  

Yusuf also called on the federal government to disclose the identities of those arrested and urged the Edo government to compensate the families of the deceased.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating in the state following the brutal killing of travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the government disclosed that the tragic incident occurred on March 27, 2025. As part of the swift response, the state has also suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.).

Preliminary investigations revealed that the vigilante group responsible for the killings was operating illegally, as it had neither been profiled nor registered under the Edo State Security Corps. The government emphasized that their actions do not reflect the values or objectives of the state’s security framework.

Authorities have so far arrested fourteen suspects in connection with the attack, while a special police team, set up by the Inspector General of Police, is conducting a manhunt for others involved.

Governor Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of all citizens to move freely and engage in lawful business across the state. The Edo State Government is in contact with the families of the victims, community leaders, and the Kano State Government, as most of the deceased reportedly hailed from there.

“We urge all parties to remain calm as we ensure justice is served in a transparent and proactive manner,” the statement added.

This tragic event has sent shockwaves across the country, with calls for stricter regulation of local security groups. Meanwhile, security operatives continue investigations into the incident to bring all perpetrators to justice.

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ungogo Branch, has strongly condemned the killing of 16 northern travelers in Edo State, describing the act as a gross violation of human rights.  

In a statement issued on Monday, the chairman of the branch, Ahmad A. Gwadabe, expressed deep concern over the tragic incident, calling it “gruesome and unacceptable.”  

“We are appalled and deeply disturbed by the murder of innocent travelers who were simply passing through the state. This act goes against the principles of humanity and decency,” Gwadabe stated.  

He called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to swiftly investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. 

“We demand immediate and decisive action to hold those responsible accountable,” he added.  

The association also urged the government to provide compensation to the families of the victims and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.  

“As lawyers, we are committed to upholding the rule of law and promoting justice for all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or place of origin,” Gwadabe emphasized.  

The statement concluded with a call for calm, urging the affected families to remain law-abiding while seeking justice.

By Uzair Adam 

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged youths in the state to refrain from retaliatory attacks following the killing of 16 northern travelers in Edo State.  

Speaking after leading the two-rakat Eid-el-Fitr prayer at the Kofar Mata Eid ground, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) warned against taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the need for peace and order.  

“We received reports that some youths in certain areas are planning to carry out reprisal attacks after the Eid prayers. We strongly urge them not to do so,” Sanusi stated.  

He called on authorities to act swiftly in ensuring justice for the victims, stressing that an investigation should be conducted to bring the perpetrators to justice.  

Similarly, the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, also appealed for prompt action, urging relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.  

Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, alongside his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, and other government officials, joined worshippers in observing the Eid prayers.  

Sanusi further reminded the Muslim faithful to uphold the lessons of Ramadan and avoid returning to acts of wrongdoing.

By Uzair Adam 

The Edo State Police Command has arrested over 30 suspects in connection with the brutal killing of 16 northern travelers and the burning of their truck in Udune Efandion.  

The Daily Reality reports that the attack occurred on Thursday along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway.  

Confirming the arrests in a statement on Friday in Benin, the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, condemned the killings and assured that justice would be served.  

Yamu stated that the police were committed to ensuring justice for the victims and that no stone would be left unturned in the ongoing investigation.  

He revealed that a truck carrying 25 travelers from Elele, Rivers State, was intercepted by a vigilante group in Uromi. 

During the stop, some travelers were reportedly found in possession of locally made dane guns, raising suspicion among the vigilantes.  

“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised an alarm, claiming the travelers were suspected kidnappers. 

This led some community members and passers-by to attack and lynch 16 occupants. The truck conveying them was also set on fire,” Yamu said.  

Police operatives from the Uromi Division swiftly responded to the scene and managed to rescue ten of the travelers, two of whom sustained injuries. 

The injured victims were taken to a hospital and are currently responding to treatment.  

“In the course of investigations, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime. An emergency meeting was also convened with stakeholders and community members,” Yamu added.  

Meanwhile, a unit of the Police Mobile Force and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area to prevent further violence.  

The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Betty Otimenyin, urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement while cautioning against reprisal attacks or unlawful gatherings that could escalate tensions.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Nigerians, particularly in the northern region, mourn the tragic killing of several Hausa hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano. The incident sparks an outcry on social media.

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president and PDP presidential candidate, extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged a comprehensive and impartial investigation.

“We must protect innocent lives,” he stated, urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent future incidents of jungle justice. 

Abubakar called for public confidence in security institutions, insisting that justice must be done and seen to be done. The community awaits action in the wake of this horrific event.