Kano Governor Demands Public Parade of Suspects and Justice for Slain Hunters as Edo and Kano Leaders Unite in Condemnation

 Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has called for the public display of the suspects responsible for the brutal killings of 16 hunters, as well as compensation for their grieving families.

The governor made this demand during a condolence visit from his Edo State counterpart, Governor Monday Okpebholo, at the Kano Government House on Monday. This visit came just two days after the burial of the victims, who were murdered by a mob in Uromi, Edo State, following accusations of kidnapping. The tragic incident occurred last Thursday when a group of hunters, traveling in a truck, were intercepted by a vigilante group. While 10 of the hunters managed to escape, 16 were viciously murdered and burned alive.

In his remarks, Governor Yusuf condemned the attack as a barbaric act, underscoring that it directly contravenes the core principles of Nigerian society, rooted in both Islamic and Christian teachings. "Such cowardly actions are inexcusable and disrupt the peace of our communities. The sanctity of human life must remain a guiding principle in every society," he emphasized.

Yusuf further disclosed that 14 individuals had been arrested in connection with the killings, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring justice and accountability. Addressing concerns over potential reprisals, he assured that robust security measures were in place to prevent any form of retaliatory violence. "We call for the immediate public parade of the suspects to provide closure to the victims' families and reinforce the principle of justice," he added.

Governor Yusuf also called on Governor Okpebholo to ensure that the families of the deceased receive fair and just compensation for their tragic loss. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention, directing security forces to pursue those responsible for the killings.

Governor Okpebholo, who also condemned the heinous act, shared his deep sorrow over the deaths. He emphasized the collaborative efforts between both state governments and security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice. Okpebholo confirmed that President Tinubu had directed the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and take decisive action.

Speaking to the people of Kano, Okpebholo acknowledged their pain, promising that all efforts would be made to provide justice for the victims. "I was deeply saddened upon hearing the news and felt compelled to visit the families of the victims. Their loss is unimaginable, and I extend my deepest condolences to them," he said.

The Governor of Kano, in turn, commended Okpebholo for his timely intervention, noting the strong relationship between the Edo and Hausa communities. He expressed confidence in the Edo State government's commitment to ensuring that justice would be served.

In a show of solidarity, Badamasi Saleh, a representative of the Arewa community in Edo State, emphasized the long-standing peaceful coexistence between the northern and Edo peoples. He strongly denounced any attempt to exploit the tragedy to fuel division. "This is a senseless tragedy, and we must not allow it to tarnish the reputation of Edo State or its people," Saleh asserted.

Fred Akhigbe, a leader of the Edo community in Kano, also expressed gratitude for Okpebholo's visit, urging both communities to maintain unity and peace. He reaffirmed the importance of justice and the need to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

At the national level, Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the killings as a senseless act of violence. He called for a comprehensive investigation and expressed his commitment to ensuring the culprits face the full wrath of the law.

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria also weighed in on the tragedy, advocating for improved oversight of community policing structures. Chairman Adebo Ogundoyin highlighted the importance of professionalism and respect for human rights within local security initiatives, stressing the need to prevent such vigilante justice from undermining societal values.

The Esan Descendants Assembly Worldwide, representing the people of Uromi, issued a statement condemning the killings and distancing the broader Esan community from the actions of the perpetrators. The group expressed solidarity with the victims' families and called for improved security measures in the region to curb the growing threat of crime.

Meanwhile, the Global Peace Foundation-Nigeria also condemned the violence, emphasizing the urgent need for Nigeria to uphold the rule of law and foster peaceful coexistence. The organization called for a thorough investigation into the killings, ensuring accountability for the perpetrators.

Finally, the Edo State Police Command clarified that there had been no riot in Uromi in the wake of the killings, debunking rumors circulating on social media. A senior officer urged the public to refrain from spreading false information, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and order.

As investigations continue, it is clear that the call for justice, accountability, and a reinforced commitment to human rights remains at the forefront of the national discourse following this tragic event.