Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered a full investigation into the brutal killing of several hunters traveling for Sallah, an incident that has sparked nationwide outrage.
The victims were intercepted by a mob in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, after their vehicle was searched, and dane guns—commonly used by hunters—were discovered. Mistaken for kidnappers, they were set ablaze by the mob.
A disturbing video circulating online shows the victims being surrounded by a group of youths before being burned alive.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Okpebholo condemned the act as barbaric and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Speaking in Uromi through the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, the governor assured that investigations were underway to ensure justice and prevent future occurrences.
“Those involved in this unprovoked attack will not go scot-free. His Excellency has directed the Commissioner of Police to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter,” Osaghale said.
He revealed that preliminary investigations showed the victims were traveling in a commercial truck when local security operatives stopped them for a search. Upon finding guns in the vehicle, bystanders assumed they were criminals and took the law into their own hands.
The governor warned against jungle justice, stressing that no one has the right to take another person’s life.
“As of now, over four suspects have been arrested in connection with this tragic incident,” he added.
He urged residents, especially the Hausa community in Uromi, to remain calm, assuring them that security personnel had been deployed to restore peace and order.
Meanwhile, Edo State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Moses Iyamu, said he would provide updates but had yet to do so at the time of this report.
