By Bashir Bello, Ozioruva Aliu, Luminous Jannamike, Rotimi Ojomoyela, Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo & Shina Abubakar
BENIN CITY— The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, yesterday called for justice for the 16 hunters killed by a mob in Uromi, Delta State, last Thursday, having been tagged kidnappers.
Their call came as the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, yesterday warned Kano youths against launching reprisal attacks on innocent non-indigenes in the state over the killings, even as Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, suspended head of the state’s security corps, Friday Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police.
The CDS, in a statement by the Director Defence of Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the tragic incident could have been prevented had the appropriate authorities been notified to verify the identities of the victims.
The statement said: “General Christopher Musa has condemned in strong terms the unfortunate killing of hunters while on transit in Edo State. The incident, which occurred on 28 March 2025, could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities were notified and involved in ascertaining the identity of the victims.
“General Musa condoled with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the families of those who lost their lives.”
He also urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead rely on security agencies for conflict resolution.
Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would collaborate with the police and other security agencies to ensure justice was served.
“The CDS also urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands but always revert to constitutated authorities in matters that affect security. The Nigeria police, military, and other security agencies are well trained to handle such matters.
“The Chief of Defence Staff assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with the police and other relavant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book,’’ Musa said.
He warned vigilante groups, hunters, among others, to register with relevant agencies to regulate the possession of firearms.
“He warned that all local hunters and vigilante groups should register with the police, DSS, AFN and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of fire arms, while calling on vigilante groups to always revert to police for appropriate action.
“He also sued for calm and solicited citizens support to the AFN and other security agencies to continue to perform their constitutional duties with diligence,’’ the statement read further.
CAN seeks justice for 16 slain hunters
On its part, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, also demanded justice for the 16 hunters killed in Edo State.
In a statement by the President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed profound sympathy to the victims’ families and emphasised the urgent need for effective law enforcement to rebuild trust in the legal system.
The statement read: “ A few days ago, sixteen hunters travelling from Port Harcourt to Kano to mark Eid-el-Fitr were brutally murdered by a mob in Uromi, Edo State.
‘’Mistaken for kidnappers due to the traditional hunting tools they carried, these innocent men suffered a horrific fate—beaten and burned alive in an act of mob violence, denied any chance of due process.
‘’This extrajudicial killing is a grievous violation of human rights and a chilling reminder of the dangers of lawlessness.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of these hunters, who now mourn the loss of their loved ones taken in such a senseless and brutal manner.
‘’These tragedies inflict profound pain and could erode trust in our legal system, highlighting the urgent need for effective law enforcement and the upholding of the rule of law.
‘’The government must act decisively to address these failures and ensure justice is served. Specifically, we call on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of the sixteen hunters and to ensure the perpetrators face justice.
“In the face of such challenges, we must not succumb to despair. Instead, let this moment spur us to unite for peace and security. I urge all Nigerians to practise charity, support those in need, and stand together against violence and division.
‘’Leaders at all levels must also promote understanding and reject mob actions. CAN reaffirms its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with Muslim leaders, fostering interfaith initiatives to build a stronger nation.
‘’As we extend our goodwill on Eid-el-Fitr, let us embrace compassion, forgiveness, and mutual respect—values that can lead us towards a Nigeria where every life is cherished and protected.”
PFN flays killing, demands justice
Similarly, the National Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Bishop David Bakare, condemned the killings.
Bakare, in a chat, called for thorough investigations into the ungodly act to ensure the perpetrators were fished out and brought to justice.
While appealing against reprisal attacks, as two wrongs could not make a right, he said: “We strongly condemn this barbaric and ungodly act of killing travellers under any circumstances.
“Even if they were kidnappers, that does not warrant taking the law into our hands; the right thing was to hand them over to law enforcement agents for proper investigation and legal action.
‘’We urge that thorough investigation be carried out on this matter to ensure the culprits are brought to book, no matter who they may be.
“We appeal against reprisal act because two wrongs won’t make a right. Our prayers are with the families of the victims. Nigeria needs all the peace at this time.”