Tinubu orders probe of hunters’ killing in Edo, says no place for jungle justice

President Bola Tinubu has condemned the murder of travelling hunters “intercepted” by some members of a local vigilante in the Esan north LGA of Edo state.

On Thursday, a mob in the Uromi area of Edo state allegedly attacked and killed at least 16 hunters of northern descent who were travelling from Elele, Rivers state.

TheCable understands that a truck carrying 25 travellers was intercepted by a vigilante group in Uromi.

The travellers were attacked and lynched after some vigilante members raised the alarm, suspecting that they were kidnappers.

Ten of the travellers were rescued, while two who were injured were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo, who visited the town on Friday to assess the situation, expressed dismay over the “heinous killings”.

The Edo governor also ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.

Reacting in a statement on Friday, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, said Tinubu ordered the police and other security agencies to swiftly investigate and bring the suspects to justice.

Tinubu consoled the victims’ families, assuring them that perpetrators would not be permitted to spill innocent Nigerians’ blood without facing justice for their crimes.

The president added that “jungle justice has no place in Nigeria,” noting that every citizen has the right to travel freely across all regions of the country.

He also commended Okpebholo and community leaders in Uromi for their swift response to avert the escalation of tension.