By Babalele Musa
Kaduna – The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has condemned the brutal killing of 16 travelers in Udune Efandion, Uromi, Edo State, calling for swift justice and accountability. The victims, mainly Hausa hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Sallah celebrations, were reportedly lynched over false allegations of being kidnappers.
In a statement issued by AYCF President-General, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the organization expressed deep outrage over the tragic event, describing it as an act of extreme lawlessness and a serious threat to national unity. According to Shettima, the victims were intercepted around 1:30 p.m. by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes before being handed over to an enraged mob.
“This incident is a disgraceful act of mob injustice. Innocent travelers were falsely accused, denied their right to a fair hearing, and subjected to a horrifying death. Such barbaric actions must not be tolerated in any civilized society,” Shettima stated.
Eyewitness reports described the gruesome nature of the killings, revealing that some victims were removed from the vehicle with wheelbarrows and thrown into a raging fire, while others were burned alive inside the van. The AYCF warned that such unchecked mob violence is a growing danger that, if not addressed, could lead to more ethnic hostilities across the country.
The organization demanded an immediate and thorough investigation, insisting that those who incited and participated in the killings be identified and prosecuted. “Justice must be served, not just for the victims and their families, but to restore public confidence in the rule of law. If we allow such acts of violence to go unpunished, we risk normalizing jungle justice in our society,” Shettima warned.
While acknowledging the deep pain and anger among the Hausa community in Uromi and beyond, the AYCF urged them to remain calm and refrain from any retaliatory actions. The group emphasized that legal action was the only appropriate way to seek justice and prevent further bloodshed.
“We understand the frustration and grief caused by this
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