Defence Chief vows justice for Northern hunters killed in Edo
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has strongly condemned the killing of northern hunters travelling through Edo State.
He noted that the tragedy, which occurred on March 28, 2025, could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities had been notified and involved in verifying the identities of the victims.
The victims were reportedly attacked while returning home from Rivers State to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid-el-Fitr with their families.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the CDS also urged Nigerians not to take the law into their hands but always revert to constituted authorities in matters that affect security.
“The Nigeria Police, military, and other security agencies are well-trained to handle such matters,” he said.
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The Chief of Defence Staff assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of this dastardly act to book.
He warned that all local hunters and vigilante groups should register with the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of firearms, while also calling on vigilante groups to always report to the police for appropriate action.
He also sues for calm and seeks citizens’ support for the AFN and other security agencies to continue to perform their constitutional duties with diligence.
It could be recalled that the 16 northerners lynched in Edo State were laid to rest on Saturday at Udune Efandion community in Uromi.
Additionally, three more victims were reportedly buried, bringing the total number of burials to 19.
The victims, who were hunters travelling from Rivers State to Kano State for Eid celebrations, were reportedly lynched by a vigilante group and armed youths on March 27.
According to reports, their vehicle was intercepted on the highway, and they were forcibly removed one by one.
They were brutally beaten before being tied to used tyres, doused with petrol, and set on fire.
Disturbing videos circulating online showed the victims pleading for their lives while an onlooking crowd cheered.
The gruesome incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians, including political figures, condemning the act and calling for the arrest of those responsible.
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