Northern Christian leaders condemn killing of Hausa travelers in Edo State

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

Christian scholars from across northern Nigeria have strongly condemned the brutal killing of 16 travelers in Edo State. Among them, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of the Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Kaduna, and other religious leaders from the 19 northern states have expressed outrage over this senseless act of mob violence.

The victims, primarily Hausa hunters, were traveling to Kano for the Sallah celebrations when they were intercepted by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes in Uromi, Edo State. Falsely accused of criminal activity, they were lynched in a tragic display of mob injustice.

Reports from both online and offline sources indicate that the travelers’ deaths have sparked widespread condemnation and grief.

Speaking on behalf of Christian scholars, Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru denounced the killings and called for a full and impartial investigation.

“The loss of these innocent lives has shocked the nation, dominating social media discussions as people express their horror and disbelief,” he stated.

He offered prayers for the departed souls, asking that God grant them Aljannah.

As a representative of the Human Rights Agency under the United Nations in Nigeria, Pastor Buru stressed the importance of justice and peace, urging youth groups from all ethnic and regional backgrounds to reject mob justice and violence.

“This mob attack is a tragic example of unjust violence fueled by false accusations and ignorance,” he remarked. “We must hold those responsible accountable to ensure that such tragedies do not recur.”

He further called on the Hausa community to remain calm and peaceful, discouraging any acts of retaliation while advocating for justice through legal means.

The incident occurred in Udune Efandion, Uromi, where the victims were lynched on baseless allegations of criminality. Despite their innocence, they were brutally attacked by local security forces and vigilantes as they journeyed to celebrate Sallah.

“I strongly condemn this act of mob justice and call on security agencies to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act and bring them to justice,” Pastor Buru said.

He also reminded Nigerians of their shared humanity, emphasizing unity and peace.

“We are all one family under God. We are all descendants of Adam and Eve, bound by common values, beliefs, and our shared hope in the afterlife. This commonality should drive us to eliminate all forms of injustice that disrupt peace and stability,” he said.

Similarly, Pastor George John, another Christian leader, denounced the mob action and urged Nigerians to support one another, regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

He called on both Muslim and Christian communities to foster unity and peaceful coexistence, particularly during this sacred period of Ramadan and Lent.

Pastor George further encouraged religious scholars from both faiths to dedicate the remaining days of Ramadan and Lent to praying for peace and national unity.

“We are one nation, and we must stand together to build a better, more peaceful Nigeria,” he said.