CISLAC seeks fair trial of suspected killers of Hausa travelers in Edo

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has strongly condemned the brutal killing of at least 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, calling for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the incident.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC revealed that the victims—hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano for Eid celebrations—were mercilessly lynched after their vehicle was intercepted by a vigilante group and armed youths.

The victims were beaten, tied to used tyres soaked in petrol, and set ablaze. Disturbing viral videos of the incident show them pleading for mercy while being attacked with axes, iron rods, and machetes, as onlookers cheered without intervening.

CISLAC condemned this horrific act of mob violence, warning that it highlights the alarming rise of vigilante justice and a growing disregard for human life in Nigeria.

The organisation urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killings are apprehended and prosecuted, including any security personnel who may have failed in their duty to prevent the atrocity.

CISLAC emphasised Nigeria’s legal and moral obligation to protect its citizens, stating:

“Under international law, the Nigerian government has an unequivocal duty to safeguard the right to life and protect individuals from torture and other ill-treatment. Failure to fulfil this duty sends a dangerous message that violence and impunity will be tolerated, ultimately emboldening mobs and vigilantes to act with increasing brutality.”

The advocacy group also called on President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, to publicly condemn the killings and demonstrate a firm commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.

“The Nigerian government must move beyond mere condemnation and take concrete steps to ensure that the suspected attackers face justice through a fair trial.”

CISLAC noted that the Uromi incident is not an isolated case but part of a disturbing trend of vigilante violence across the country, especially in communities along major highways where lawlessness prevails.

“This culture of mob violence has been allowed to thrive due to the government’s consistent failure to hold perpetrators accountable and enforce the rule of law.”

The statement concluded by stressing the urgent need for the Nigerian government to strengthen efforts to prevent further mob violence and extrajudicial killings.

“This includes equipping the police to respond effectively and ensuring that victims have access to justice. The government must implement both punitive and preventive measures to curb the rising tide of impunity and uphold the sanctity of human life.”