By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Edo
EDO: Tension has engulfed Udune Efandion, a village in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, following the brutal killing of 16 travelers by a vigilante group.
The victims, identified as local hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for Sallah celebrations, were accused of being kidnappers and lynched by an irate mob.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the hunters were intercepted on Thursday by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes after their vehicle was searched, and they were found with Dane guns.
According to sources, the discovery of the firearms fueled suspicions, leading to a violent confrontation that spiraled out of control.
“These men were armed, and with the level of insecurity we have been battling in Uromi, people did not want to take chances,” said a local vigilante member who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Kidnappers have been terrorizing this area for months. The community believed they had caught those responsible.”
The situation quickly escalated, as an enraged crowd overpowered security operatives and took matters into their own hands. Before reinforcements could arrive, 16 of the detained hunters had been killed, and their vehicle was set ablaze. Several others sustained injuries in the chaos, while four survivors were rushed to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the incident, stating that several individuals have been arrested in connection with the mob attack. Police spokesperson SP Chidi Nwabuzor condemned the killings, warning against jungle justice.
“It is unfortunate that people resorted to extrajudicial measures. The law must take its course, and those found culpable in this mob action will face prosecution,” he said.
The killings have sparked outrage, with human rights groups and community leaders calling for thorough investigations. Senator Monday Okpebholo, representing Edo Central, condemned the act, insisting that the authorities must ensure justice for the victims.
“We cannot allow anarchy to take over. If these men were truly criminals, they should have been handed over to the police for due process,” Okpebholo stated.
As security operatives continue their investigations, tensions remain high in Uromi and surrounding areas, with fears that retaliatory attacks may follow. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and allow law enforcement to handle the situation.