Edo Lynching: Tensions Rise as Families of Slain Hunters Demand Justice, Threaten Reprisals | #NwokeukwuMascot

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…as DSS nabs two key suspects, DHQ warns against retaliatory attacks | #NwokeukwuMascot

UROMI, EDO STATE – The families and colleagues of 16 hunters gruesomely lynched in Uromi, Edo State, have issued a powerful ultimatum to the federal and state governments: ensure justice is served or risk an escalation of violence.

The hunters, mostly from Toranke in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, were reportedly travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Kano for the Sallah celebration when they were ambushed and killed by local vigilantes at Goodwill Junction, along Old Ilushi Road, on suspicion of being kidnappers.

The tragedy has sparked nationwide outrage, with grief in northern communities now morphing into anger and a cry for justice. In Toranke, an atmosphere of mourning has been replaced by mounting frustration over what many perceive as a sluggish and insufficient government response.

In interviews with The PUNCH, aggrieved relatives and community leaders did not mince words in voicing their fury. Alhaji Musa Dogo, a respected community leader and veteran hunter, delivered a chilling message: “We cannot allow this to go unanswered. If the government does not arrest and publicly prosecute those responsible, we will take matters into our own hands. We know how to track down those who commit evil.”

Echoing the sentiment, another hunter, Bala Danburan, declared, “We know how to sneak into Uromi and take revenge ourselves if justice is not served. This is not a threat; it is a promise.”

The victims’ families have also demanded that the ongoing investigation and prosecution be transferred to a Kano court to ensure transparency and fairness. Citing a precedent where the Kano State Government handed over a criminal suspect to Bayelsa for trial, they insist that similar interstate cooperation be demonstrated in this case.

Alhaji Usman Bako, another community elder, criticized the government’s neglect of local security outfits like hunters, who have been instrumental in safeguarding rural communities. “If this continues, we may be forced to withdraw from joint security operations,” he warned.

Malam Sani Umar, who lost his younger brother Yahaya in the attack, described the family’s pain and despair. “Yahaya left behind four children and a wife. He believed in justice, but now he’s been killed unjustly.”

Hafsat Ibrahim, mother of another victim, Nasiru, made an emotional plea during a tearful interview. “He was the backbone of our family. The killers must be punished according to Islamic rites, and the government should compensate us,” she demanded.

Despite visits by the governors of Kano and Edo States to condole with the grieving families, community members say mere condolences are not enough. “We need real action. We need arrests. We need to see prosecution,” said Sani Umar.

In a major development, the Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested two principal suspects involved in the lynching. Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects were picked up in Uromi based on credible intelligence and have since been transferred to Abuja for further interrogation and prosecution.

“It was a coordinated operation, and efforts are underway to apprehend all others connected to the heinous crime,” the statement read.

 

Amid growing tension, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has issued a stern warning against any retaliatory attacks. Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that political leaders from both Edo and Kano had “resolved” the crisis at the political level and urged citizens to refrain from fanning the flames.

“Anybody or group trying to cause panic or issue threats will be investigated and dealt with accordingly,” he said.

The military also pushed back against criticisms of inaction against violent non-state actors across the country, insisting that security operations were ongoing. “We have neutralised many of them and will continue our onslaught,” Kangye said.

 

While arrests have begun, the issue of compensation for the victims’ families remains unsettled. According to Itua, discussions between the Edo and Kano State governments are still ongoing to determine the appropriate compensation for the bereaved families.

As the nation watches closely, the pressure is mounting on authorities to act swiftly and justly — not only to restore public trust but to avert the possibility of a dangerous spiral of reprisals and retaliatory violence.

This story is developing and will be updated as more details emerge.

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