The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called for justice and adequate compensation for the families of those killed in the recent mob attack on travellers at Uromi in Edo State. The lawmakers have also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a joint statement issued by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Ali Isa JC; and Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Sani Madaki, the caucus condemned the brutal attack on the victims, which led to the deaths of at least 16 people. The victims were reportedly a group of hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano. According to the caucus, the mob’s actions were completely unacceptable and must not be allowed to go unchecked, as such lawlessness could threaten the unity and peace of the nation.
The statement expressed the deep shock and grief felt by the caucus members, noting that the brutal killings were a result of the actions of “lawless anarchists” in Edo State. The lawmakers called on the federal government to take swift action and ensure that justice is served.
The tragic incident occurred in the past few days, with reports indicating that a mob in Uromi, Edo State, targeted a group of northerners traveling through the state. The victims, who were said to be hunters on their way to Kano, were violently attacked, leading to their deaths.
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has confirmed that approximately 14 individuals have been arrested in connection with the mob attack. These individuals are being investigated in relation to the deaths of the travellers. The Governor expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that the state government was taking the necessary steps to ensure that justice is done.
However, despite the arrests, the Minority Caucus has called for more decisive action from the federal government to prevent such incidents from happening again. In their statement, the lawmakers described the attack as “reprehensible” and insisted that all those responsible should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“We find such brutal killings of innocent Nigerians in any part of the country by lawless mobs very reprehensible. If allowed to fester without being put in check by responsible organs of government, such actions could threaten the peace and unity of the country,” the statement read.
The Minority Caucus has specifically called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter, urging him to direct the relevant security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation. The lawmakers emphasized the importance of bringing all those involved in the killings to justice, to serve as a deterrent against future mob violence.
“We implore all Nigerians to never resort to such jungle attacks on their fellow citizens but to always engage the services of lawful authorities whenever they notice any issue of concern,” the statement continued. The caucus reminded the public that Nigeria is a nation governed by the rule of law, and that security agencies are always available to intervene in situations of unrest.
Furthermore, the Minority Caucus has called for adequate compensation to be provided to the families of the victims. They emphasized that the federal government must show empathy and support for those who have lost their loved ones in such a senseless and violent manner.
While calling for justice, the lawmakers also appealed for national calm. They urged all Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding, and to allow both the federal and state governments to fully investigate the incident and ensure that justice is done. The Minority Caucus reassured the public that they would remain vigilant in ensuring that the matter is not swept under the rug.
The mob attack has sparked outrage across Nigeria, with many expressing their shock and horror over the killings. Public reactions on social media platforms, especially Facebook, have ranged from calls for justice to condemnations of the growing trend of mob violence in the country.
In the aftermath of the attack, tensions have been high, particularly among the northern communities who were directly affected by the deaths. The loss of 16 people has left many grieving families, and there are fears that this attack could exacerbate ethnic and regional divisions in the country. The Minority Caucus’ call for peace and unity is aimed at quelling these tensions and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.
However, critics have raised concerns about the frequency of mob justice in Nigeria, pointing to the growing insecurity in the country as a major factor contributing to the rise of such violent acts. Many have pointed out that the inability of law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and effectively in certain situations has created an environment where vigilante justice is becoming more common.
This incident in Edo State is just the latest in a series of mob attacks that have occurred across various parts of Nigeria, often targeting individuals based on their ethnicity or perceived background. In many cases, these attacks are fueled by false accusations, misunderstandings, or deeply rooted ethnic prejudices. The Minority Caucus has expressed concern that if such acts of violence are not curbed, they could lead to further instability and division within the country.
In light of the tragic events in Edo State, the Minority Caucus has reiterated its call for unity and reconciliation among Nigerians. The lawmakers warned that unless the government takes concrete action to address the root causes of mob violence, the country could face more division and unrest.
“We are a nation under the rule of laws, and our law enforcement agencies are always available to partner with every Nigerian to assuage their concerns. In the face of this grave incident, which is already setting emotions on edge in parts of the country, we urge all Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding,” the statement concluded.
The caucus also expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, assuring them that they would not rest until justice is done.
