President Bola Tinubu has condemned the killing of seven hunters in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, and directed security agencies to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the incident.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, titled “President Tinubu Directs Manhunt for Killers of Hunters in Edo.”
The President described the killing as unacceptable and ordered law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for the mob action are identified and brought to justice.
“The President has directed the police and other security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law,” Onanuga said.
The Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, had earlier confirmed the killing of at least seven victims, now identified as hunters, in Uromi on Thursday.
Local reports indicate that the victims were traveling when they were intercepted by local vigilantes, who allegedly accused them of being kidnappers. The situation reportedly escalated into a mob attack, leading to their deaths.
Governor Okpebholo condemned the incident, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He assured that those responsible would not go unpunished, adding that security agencies had already begun making arrests in connection with the attack.
Following Tinubu’s directive, security agencies are expected to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators of the killings. The police have also called on residents to refrain from jungle justice and allow law enforcement agencies to handle criminal matters through due process.
