The recent lynching of 16 hunters in Uromi, Edo State, has sparked nationwide outrage, with families of the victims demanding justice while hunters’ associations threaten reprisals if the government fails to act. Hussaini Kafi in Kano who has followed the unfortunate development writes a special feature in which he raises some pertinent questions.
The tragic incident has also reignited discussions on the repeated targeting of Northerners in Southern Nigeria under the suspicion of kidnapping, with community leaders and government officials calling for urgent intervention.
This latest attack is not an isolated incident, as there have been multiple cases of Northerners being lynched in the South over similar suspicions, often exacerbated by the presence of homemade weapons.
These attacks have ignited concerns over rising ethnic violence and the need for stronger protection for all Nigerians, irrespective of their region.
It can be recalled that the hunters were accused of being kidnappers after they were found with homemade weapons, leading a mob to take justice into their own hands.
The victims, who were traveling from Rivers State to the North for Sallah celebrations after a hunting trip in the South, were brutally killed, their bodies left as a grim testament to the violence.
Edo, Kano Governors Visit Toranke, Assure Justice
In response to the growing tensions, the governors of Edo and Kano states, Monday Okpebholo and Abba Kabir Yusuf, visited Torankawa to express condolences and assure the victims’ families of swift justice.
Governor Yusuf, in a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, emphasized the need for concrete action. “This visit is not just about condolence; it is about reaffirming our commitment to justice. We will not rest until every perpetrator is held accountable,” he stated, demanding that the Edo State Government expedite compensation for the victims’ families.
Governor Okpebholo also assured that his administration was working closely with security agencies. “Edo is home to all Nigerians, and violence of this nature will not be tolerated. I assure you that justice will be swift,” he said.
Community leaders in Torankawa appreciated the visit, acknowledging that it helped ease tensions. His Highness Amb. Muhammad Isa Umar, the Emir of Kano, commended both governors for their proactive handling of the crisis.
Families of Slain Hunters Speak Out
In the quiet town of Toranke, Bunkure Local Government, Kano State, grief hangs heavy in the air as the families of the slain hunters recount their devastating loss. Among them are Malam Sani Umar and Hajiya Hafsat Ibrahim, both struggling to hold back tears as they speak about their loved ones who were brutally killed in Edo State.
Malam Sani Umar, an elderly man with deep lines of sorrow on his face, mourns his younger brother, Yahaya Umar. “He left behind four children and a wife with no means of survival,” he laments. “Yahaya was a man of courage who believed in justice, but he was killed unjustly. How can we accept this when those responsible are walking free?”
Hajiya Hafsat Ibrahim, wiping away tears, speaks of her son, Nasiru Ibrahim. “Nasiru was the backbone of our family, ensuring his siblings went to school and putting food on our table. Now, who will take care of us? We demand justice, and we will not be silent until the killers are punished.”
Hunters Threaten Reprisal If Justice Is Denied
The hunters’ association has warned that if justice is not served, they will take matters into their own hands. Alhaji Musa Dogo, a respected hunter, says, “The men who were killed were our brothers. If the government does not arrest and publicly prosecute those responsible, we will seek justice ourselves.”
Bala Danburan, another hunter, adds grimly, “We know how to track down those who commit evil, and we will not hesitate if justice is not served. This is not a threat; it is a promise.”
The hunters are also demanding that the case be transferred to a Kano court, citing a precedent where the Kano State Government handed over a suspect, Yunusa Yellow, to Bayelsa authorities in a similar situation. “If they could request a case be handled in their state, why can’t we?” Alhaji Musa argues. “We need fairness. The case should be tried in Kano.”
Recurring Attacks on Northerners in the South
The killing of the 16 hunters in Uromi highlights the ongoing and troubling pattern of violence against Northerners in the South, a cycle that continues to escalate. Similar incidents of lynching and extrajudicial killings have occurred repeatedly over the years, often involving victims accused of kidnapping simply because of their ethnicity or the possession of weapons. These attacks have been seen in various states such as Anambra, Benue, Enugu, and Oyo, where Northerners have been targeted, either due to fears of kidnapping or as a result of clashes with other communities. The repeated nature of such violence has raised alarms over the deepening ethnic divide in Nigeria and the failure of authorities to prevent such horrific acts.
These repeated attacks underscore the deepening ethnic divide and insecurity, with fears that such violence could spiral into widespread unrest if not addressed swiftly by authorities.
National Orientation Agency’s Role in Addressing Misinformation
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has been urged to play a crucial role in addressing misinformation, which often fuels such violence. A recent case in Kano saw misinformation linking the death of an Anambra indigene, Peter Chukwudi Nwanosike, to the Uromi killings.
The Northern Youth Assembly and the Inter-Tribe Community Support Forum dismissed these claims as false. At a press conference, the forum’s Coordinator, Nworisa Michael, clarified, “Mr. Nwanosike was not killed in a reprisal attack. He was a victim of phone snatchers on March 30, 2025. After visiting his family, we confirmed that he collapsed while fleeing from his attackers and was not stabbed, as falsely reported.”
The groups warned against spreading misinformation, emphasizing that it could escalate tensions and lead to unnecessary panic. They also commended Governor Yusuf for his swift intervention in preventing reprisal attacks in Kano, as well as Governor Okpebholo’s visit to the state, which helped foster unity.
Government’s Next Steps
With mounting pressure from the families of the slain hunters, community leaders, and hunters’ associations, the government is at a critical juncture. Failure to act swiftly could ignite further unrest, while decisive action could restore confidence in the rule of law.
As investigations continue, all eyes remain on the government. Will justice be served, or will this tragedy become another statistic in Nigeria’s growing list of ethnic and security crises?
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