Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo Visits Kano to Condole Families of Lynched Travelers

 Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo Visits Kano to Condole Families of Lynched Travelers

Edo Governor Calls for Justice After Brutal Uromi Killings

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has arrived in Kano State to extend his deepest condolences to the government and families of the 16 travelers who were brutally lynched and set ablaze in Uromi, Edo State. His visit underscores a critical national moment, calling for justice, unity, and an end to mob violence in Nigeria.

The horrific attack occurred on March 28, 2025, when 16 individuals—primarily Hausa hunters from northern Nigeria—were targeted by a violent mob. These victims, who were traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for Eid al-Fitr celebrations, were intercepted by local vigilantes in Uromi. Upon discovering locally made weapons in their vehicle, the mob falsely accused them of being kidnappers. Without any legal proceedings, they were gruesomely burned alive in an act of extrajudicial execution that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria.

According to reports, at least 14 suspects have been arrested in connection to the killings. Authorities have vowed to leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice is served. The Edo State government has committed to conducting a full-scale investigation to prosecute all those responsible.

Governor Okpebholo’s Commitment to Justice

Governor Okpebholo’s visit to Kano was marked by solemn reflection and an unwavering demand for justice. Expressing profound grief over the incident, he reiterated the sanctity of human life, stating, “Nobody has the right to take another man’s life. This act of lawlessness will not go unpunished.”

The governor also assured the bereaved families that Edo State is working closely with security agencies to prevent such tragedies in the future. His swift response has been widely commended as a crucial step in de-escalating ethnic tensions and reinforcing national unity.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who received Governor Okpebholo, strongly condemned the attack and demanded that the suspects be publicly paraded to serve as a deterrent against future vigilante violence. Governor Yusuf also called for financial compensation for the victims’ families, emphasizing the urgent need to support those left behind in the wake of this gruesome massacre.

This high-profile engagement between the two state leaders sends a powerful message: mob justice has no place in a civilized society. The call for accountability resonates not only in Nigeria but across the global community, where concerns over the rule of law and human rights violations continue to make headlines.

This latest tragedy has reignited concerns about the prevalence of mob justice in Nigeria. Between 2019 and 2022 alone, at least 391 people were killed in similar incidents across the country, according to a report from human rights organizations. The lack of trust in law enforcement, coupled with a deeply ingrained culture of vigilante justice, continues to fuel these deadly occurrences.

Security analysts have urged the Nigerian government to take proactive steps in curbing this menace by strengthening the judicial system, enhancing public awareness, and ensuring swift legal action against perpetrators.

As investigations continue, this incident has become a defining moment for Nigeria’s justice system. Will the country take decisive steps to end the cycle of mob killings? Or will impunity persist, allowing innocent lives to be lost to unchecked violence?

For Governor Okpebholo, the path forward is clear: “This must be the last time such a tragedy occurs. Justice will be served, and the rule of law must prevail.”

With both Edo and Kano States standing united against extrajudicial killings, this moment presents an opportunity for Nigeria to reaffirm its commitment to justice, human rights, and national cohesion.

The lynching in Uromi serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked mob violence. It highlights the urgent need for a systemic overhaul in law enforcement and public awareness campaigns to prevent further bloodshed. As Nigeria mourns, the collective resolve to end such barbaric acts must be stronger than ever.

With mounting pressure on the government to deliver justice, all eyes are now on Edo State’s legal proceedings. The question remains: Will this tragedy serve as a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against mob justice? Time will tell, but for now, the call for accountability grows louder by the day.