AYCF, Atiku, and Kwankwaso Condemn Brutal Killing of Northern Travelers in Edo State

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), alongside prominent political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly condemned the gruesome murder of innocent travelers from Northern Nigeria in Uromi, Edo State.

The victims, reportedly Hausa hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Sallah festivities, were falsely accused of being criminals and subjected to mob violence. The tragic incident, which occurred on March 27, 2025, in the Udune Efandion community, has sparked nationwide outrage and calls for justice.

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AYCF Demands Justice for Victims of Mob Violence

In a statement issued by its President General, the AYCF expressed deep anger and sorrow over the horrific act, condemning the perpetrators and demanding swift action from authorities.

“The victims, mostly Hausa hunters, were traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Sallah festivities when they were falsely accused and brutally attacked,” the AYCF statement read.

According to the forum, the travelers were intercepted around 1:30 p.m. by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes before an irate mob, incited by baseless allegations of kidnapping, attacked them.

“Eyewitnesses recounted horrifying scenes where some victims were removed on wheelbarrows and thrown into the flames,” the statement added.

The AYCF called for a full investigation into the attack and urged authorities to arrest and prosecute all those responsible for the tragic incident.

“We demand that the authorities take swift and decisive action against those responsible for inciting and participating in this tragedy. Justice must be served for the victims and their grieving families to restore faith in our justice system,” the forum insisted.

While acknowledging the pain and anger within the Hausa community in Uromi and beyond, the AYCF urged calm and asked people to seek justice through lawful means instead of retaliation.

Atiku Abubakar Calls for Thorough Investigation

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also reacted to the killings, calling for a full-scale investigation into the circumstances leading to the extrajudicial killing of the travelers.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page on Friday, Atiku expressed deep sadness over the incident and demanded justice for the victims.

“This unfortunate incident demands a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible are brought to book,” he stated.

Atiku emphasized the need to protect and value human lives, urging authorities to act swiftly and decisively to end jungle justice in Nigeria.

“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore public confidence in our security institutions,” he added.

Kwankwaso Condemns the Brutal Attack

Similarly, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), described the killings as a “disturbing example of mob injustice.”

In a statement released via his official Facebook page, Kwankwaso expressed his deep sorrow over the attack and urged authorities to bring the culprits to justice.

“This tragic incident highlights the cruelty of jungle justice, which must be eradicated from our society,” he said.

Kwankwaso further stressed that every Nigerian must have the right to travel freely without fear of intimidation or violence.

“It is a general perception that all citizens across Nigeria must be able to move about freely without intimidation or harassment,” he stated.

The former governor of Kano State also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and called on law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served swiftly.

Edo State Governor Vows to Bring Perpetrators to Justice

In response to the widespread condemnation, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo issued a strong statement condemning the attack and promising swift action against the perpetrators.

Through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor stated that no individual or group has the right to take the life of another citizen.

“The barbaric act allegedly committed by members of a local vigilante group must not be tolerated,” the governor declared.

Governor Okpebholo vowed to work closely with security agencies to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for the heinous crime.

“We will ensure that justice is served and that such incidents never happen again in Edo State,” he added.

Public Outcry and Calls for Security Reforms

The brutal murder of the travelers has sparked nationwide outrage, with many Nigerians demanding urgent security reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Human rights activists, political analysts, and civil society organizations have called for better regulation of vigilante groups to prevent unlawful killings.

Many have also emphasized the need for increased awareness against mob justice, urging citizens to report suspected criminals to law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to violence.

The murder of innocent travelers in Edo State has once again highlighted the dangers of jungle justice and the urgent need for legal reforms to curb mob violence.

With AYCF, Atiku Abubakar, Kwankwaso, and Governor Okpebholo all demanding swift justice, there is mounting pressure on security agencies to act decisively.

As the country awaits further developments, Nigerians continue to call for a justice system that upholds the rule of law and ensures the safety of all citizens, regardless of ethnic or regional background.