Edo State Massacre

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

On 28 March 2025, 16 Hausa hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for Sallah were killed in a mob attack in Udune Efandion, Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria. Local security had stopped the group and found Dane hunting rifles in their vehicle, which raised suspicions of kidnapping. Instead of handing them to police, vigilantes alerted a crowd, and a mob gathered. The travelers were beaten and set on fire, resulting in 16 deaths. Video footage of the attack circulated online, drawing widespread condemnation.

Reaction and aftermath: The Northern States Governors’ Forum, led by Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, condemned the killings as a gross human rights violation and called for a thorough investigation and prosecution. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu described the act as dastardly and ordered security agencies to arrest those responsible, stressing Nigerians’ right to move freely. Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo called the killings barbaric and pledged a comprehensive investigation. The Edo State Police Command said it was increasing efforts to identify and arrest those involved, with reports indicating more than 30 suspects in custody. The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum condemned the killings and urged justice and protection for all citizens. Politicians Peter Obi and Atiku expressed sorrow and said such violence has no place in a just society.