Uromi Massacre: How 16 Hunters Were Killed in Edo State

A violent attack in Uromi, Edo State, has left 16 hunters dead, sparking widespread outrage and discussions about security oversight in the region.

What Really Happened?

The incident, which took place on Friday, March 28, 2025, involved a local vigilante group and residents of Udune Efandion, who allegedly profiled and attacked a group of northern Nigerian travelers, accusing them of being kidnappers.

The victims were on their way from Elele in Rivers State to Kano for the Muslim Eid al-Fitr festivities when their truck was intercepted along the Uromi/Obajana Expressway at around 1:30 p.m.

Survivors’ Account

About 16 people were reportedly killed but survivors have recounted how they were ordered to disembark before being beaten.

Some managed to escape, while others were not as fortunate.

Dayabu Yahaya, a resident of Kano State, described the attack:

“They [the vigilantes] ordered everyone to get down. I was confused as to why, but we obeyed. As soon as we did, they began flogging us aggressively and gathered us in one place.”

According to him, the attackers did not find anything incriminating but seized their hunting knives, locally made guns, and palm oil.

“These guns are licensed, but they seized the documents and our luggage and burned them,” Dayabu added. “We were 27 in number. Right now, 20 people are missing, five are here, and two are in the hospital.”

Another survivor, Mustapha Alhassan from Katsina State, managed to escape and shared his ordeal:

“After stopping our vehicle, the vigilantes gathered onlookers, who were residents of the town, and then stepped aside, leaving us to their mercy. They kept on beating us as if they were out to kill us. Some of us ran- I was fortunate to be among those who escaped. While on the run, I was divinely connected with some of our Hausa brothers, who contributed money for my transport fare to get to our king’s house.”

“No one interrogated us. They just started beating us,” he added.

The Nigerian police confirmed the incident, stating that the group of travelers, who identified themselves as hunters, were found in possession of 19 locally fabricated firearms.

The vigilantes, unconvinced by their explanation, assumed they were kidnappers and took matters into their own hands.

It remains unclear whether the victims were members of the Nigerian Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), the recognized body for hunters in the country. NHFSS has yet to respond to requests for comments.

But a manhunt is ongoing for others involved in the attack. The Inspector-General of Police has directed the Force Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case, underscoring the gravity of the incident.

What is the state government’s response so far

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the attack, emphasizing that “nobody has the right to take another man’s life.”

He assured that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Following the tragic event, the governor has suspended the commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, and banned unregistered vigilante groups operating within the state.

The Edo State Government clarified that the vigilante group responsible for the killings was operating illegally.

“It is to be reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of 27th March was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps,” the statement read.

The statement further emphasized that the actions of the group “do not reflect the core values, character and principles of the Okpebholo administration, or the objectives of the corps as enshrined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.”

So far, 14 individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack, while a special police team is actively pursuing other suspects.

The Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding citizens’ constitutional rights, particularly the freedom of movement and lawful business activities. Officials are currently in contact with the victims’ families, community leaders, and authorities from Kano State, where most of the deceased were from.

The government urged the public to remain calm, assuring that “the State Government remains committed to ensuring that justice is done in a most efficient, transparent and proactive manner.”

President Bola Tinubu also directed the police and other security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators face legal consequences.

With investigations ongoing, many are questioning whether the suspension of security officials and the crackdown on unregistered vigilante groups will be enough to prevent future tragedies. The situation remains a critical test of Edo State’s security framework.