Hussaini Kafi in Kano
A group of aggrieved hunters from Toranke and neighboring villages gathered in protest, on Monday, calling for justice for the 16 hunters killed in Uromi, Edo State.
Armed with local weapons and placards reading “#WeWantJustice,” the hunters, along with community members, took to the village square, expressing their anger and frustration over the tragic incident that has rocked their community.
The protest gained attention when Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, visited the Torankawa community to offer condolences and sympathize with the grieving families. The visit, which sought to calm tensions and reassure the villagers, became a focal point for the community’s demands for justice.
Governor Yusuf, speaking at the gathering, expressed his deep sorrow over the brutal killings of the 16 hunters, stressing that the government would not rest until the perpetrators were brought to justice.
“This visit is not just about condolence; it is about reaffirming our commitment to justice,” Governor Yusuf stated, addressing the aggrieved crowd. “The families of these victims deserve more than words—they deserve action. We will not rest until every perpetrator is brought to book, publicly paraded, and held accountable.”
He further emphasized the need for swift prosecution and called for the Edo State Government to expedite compensation for the victims’ families, highlighting the devastating impact the killings had on their livelihoods.
Governor Okpebholo, also in attendance, extended his condolences and assured the families that his administration was working closely with security agencies to ensure justice would be served. He reiterated the commitment to swift action, declaring, “I want to personally assure you that we are treating this case with the urgency it deserves. Edo is home to all Nigerians, and this kind of violence will not be tolerated.”
The visit brought some comfort to the community, as it was seen as a sign of the governments’ dedication to addressing the grievances of the affected families.
Community leaders in Torankawa, including His Highness Amb. Muhammad Isa Umar, the Emir of Kano, expressed their gratitude for the visit. The Emir, speaking on behalf of the community, thanked both governors for their proactive stance in handling the situation and their unwavering support for the victims’ families.
“We appreciate the swift response of the two governors, and we are hopeful that the justice we seek will soon be realized,” the Emir stated.
Governor Yusuf concluded his speech by promising that his administration would continue to follow up on the case and ensure that justice was fully served.
The visit not only addressed the immediate concerns of the aggrieved hunters but also served to foster unity and restore confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens and bring perpetrators to justice.
