Protests have broken out across northern Nigeria following the brutal killing of 16 travelers in Edo State, where a mob falsely accused them of being kidnappers. The attack, which took place late Friday, has sparked nationwide condemnation and renewed concerns over rising mob violence and misinformation.
Fatal Mistake Leads to Tragedy
The victims, mostly Hausa hunters, were traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Eid al-Fitr holiday when their vehicle was stopped near midnight by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes. Upon discovering locally made hunting guns—a common tool among northern hunters—the vigilantes suspected them of criminal activity and raised an alarm.
Without verification, the situation quickly escalated. A widely circulated video showed the travelers being surrounded by a mob, doused with petrol, and set ablaze.
Survivor Recounts Horror
One of 10 survivors rescued by police, described the ordeal. “When the driver resisted, they flogged him. They ordered us to step out of the vehicle and began beating us. When they grouped us together, we realized we were going to be killed, so some of us ran for our lives,” he said.
Government and Human Rights Groups Demand Justice
The killings have triggered outrage, with Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo condemning the act as “barbaric” and promising that those responsible will be brought to justice.
President Bola Tinubu also ordered security agencies to investigate the incident, while Amnesty International called for a full and transparent probe to ensure accountability.
Growing Fears Over Mob Violence and Misinformation
The incident has intensified concerns over the increasing trend of mob justice in Nigeria. Experts warn that a lack of trust in law enforcement, coupled with widespread misinformation, has fueled extrajudicial killings in many parts of the country.
Human rights organizations are urging the Nigerian government to take stronger action against vigilante violence and improve public awareness to prevent further incidents.
As investigations continue, calls for justice are mounting, with many demanding concrete measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.