16 Hunters killed in Edo: The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has strongly condemned the recent tragedy of 16 hunters killed in Edo State and has pledged that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. The tragic incident, which occurred on March 27, 2025, in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, has elicited widespread condemnation from various quarters across the country.
The hunters were reportedly traveling from Rivers State to Kano to celebrate Eid with their families when their truck was intercepted by a local vigilante group. Upon discovering that the hunters were in possession of dane guns, the vigilantes allegedly mistook them for kidnappers and subjected them to mob action, resulting in 16 fatalities. The deceased were laid to rest on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
In a statement released on Sunday, March 30, 2025, by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, General Musa expressed his condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the families of the victims. He emphasized that the unfortunate incident could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities had been involved in verifying the identities of the hunters.
General Musa urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to rely on security agencies for conflict resolution. He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with the police and other security agencies, will ensure that justice is served.
Gov. Okpebholo’s Response to the 16 Hunters Killed in Edo
In response to the incident, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.), and all unauthorized vigilante groups operating in the state. The Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, confirmed these actions, stating that the local vigilante group involved was operating illegally and was neither profiled nor registered with the Edo State Security Corps.
The state government reiterated its commitment to upholding the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all citizens to move freely and engage in lawful business across the country. Governor Okpebholo has reached out to the families of the victims, community leaders, and the Government of Kano State, from where most of the deceased hailed, urging all parties to remain calm as investigations continue.
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The tragic event has drawn condemnation from various groups and individuals. The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, during the Eid prayer sermon in Kano, cautioned youths against reprisal attacks, emphasizing that revenge is forbidden in Islam. He called on security agencies to ensure that justice is served to prevent further escalation and maintain peace.
Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) have denounced the killings. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the extrajudicial killings as a grievous violation of human rights and called for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. PFN National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, labeled the act as barbaric and ungodly, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) also condemned the incident. stating that the 16 hunters killed in Edo is a pattern of attacks and harassment of Northerners in Southern Nigeria. ACF National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, emphasized the need for justice and called for measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
On the account of this incident (16 hunters killed in Edo), the political arena, the Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee criticized the state government’s handling of security, asserting that the suspension of the Security Corps Commander is an admission of failure. The PDP called for a comprehensive audit and overhaul of the state’s security architecture to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.
As investigations continue, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the 16 hunters killed in Edo. The Edo State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, has assured the public that all individuals involved will be brought to book. Citizens are encouraged to remain calm and allow the authorities to carry out their duties to ensure justice and maintain peace in the community.
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