The brutal lynching of 16 travellers by an enraged mob in Uromi, Edo State, has sparked nationwide outrage, with President Bola Tinubu and several governors condemning the act and demanding justice for the victims.
While the President has ordered security agencies to launch a manhunt for those responsible, state governors have joined in calling for swift prosecution of the perpetrators.
Mob Attack Over Mistaken Identity
Reports indicate that the victims, who claimed to be hunters, were traveling in a Dangote Cement truck when they were stopped around 1:30 p.m. in Udune Efandion community by local vigilantes.
Upon searching the vehicle, the vigilantes reportedly found dane guns, triggering panic and leading to the mob attack.
A disturbing video circulating on social media captured the horrifying moment when the victims were beaten, tortured, and set ablaze, despite their desperate pleas for mercy.
“Please, please, wayo, wayo,” one of the victims cried out in agony.
Shockingly, some bystanders went about their daily activities, seemingly unbothered by the brutal assault taking place before them.
An eyewitness, identified only as John, said the mob mistook the travellers for criminals. “The vigilantes raised the alarm after seeing guns in their possession. People then descended on them. But why were they carrying arms in a Dangote truck? The community has suffered from kidnappings, so people reacted. However, they should have handed them over to the police.”
One of the most chilling moments in the video showed a resident using a wheelbarrow to throw a victim into the fire, while another person in a white T-shirt and black jeans directed the attack. A female voice in the background was heard saying, “Eyah, he is crying,” as the violence continued.
A resident, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, blamed the police for their delayed response. “Had the police arrived earlier, this could have been prevented. By the time they came, only four people could be rescued, and they were rushed to the hospital,” he said.
Police Confirm Killings, Make Arrests
Reacting to the gruesome incident, the Edo State Police Command confirmed that 16 people were killed, and 14 suspects have been arrested.
The command’s spokesman, Moses Yamu, disclosed that emergency meetings had been held with local stakeholders, and additional security personnel had been deployed to prevent further violence.
Yamu also warned against reprisal attacks, urging residents to allow law enforcement to handle the matter.
Providing details of the attack, he stated, “The incident occurred when a truck, with registration number KKF 225 XA, was stopped by local vigilantes in Uromi. The truck, coming from Port Harcourt, was carrying 25 travellers from Elele, Rivers State
