By Babalele Karama
Kaduna – The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has strongly condemned the brutal mob killing of 16 innocent travelers in Udune Efandion, Uromi, Edo State. The victims, mostly Hausa hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for Sallah celebrations, were reportedly lynched based on false accusations of kidnapping.
In a statement issued by the AYCF President-General, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, and made available to journalists in Kaduna, the group expressed shock and deep sorrow over the gruesome incident. According to Shettima, the victims were intercepted around 1:30 p.m. by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes before an irate mob took the law into their hands.
“The subsequent actions of the mob, incited by unfounded allegations, led to an act of extreme barbarism. The victims were mercilessly attacked, with some of their bodies burned inside their vehicle,” Shettima stated.
Eyewitness reports further revealed that some victims were removed with wheelbarrows and thrown into the fire, a horrifying testament to the rising culture of mob violence in parts of the country. The AYCF condemned the incident as a blatant act of lawlessness and called for an urgent investigation into those responsible.
The organization emphasized that justice must be served, not only for the victims and their families but also to restore public confidence in the legal system. Shettima warned that allowing such acts to go unpunished would set a dangerous precedent that could further deepen ethnic divisions in the country.
While acknowledging the pain and anger within the Hausa community in Uromi and beyond, the AYCF urged them to remain calm and avoid retaliation. “We understand the rage and grief this incident has caused, but we must seek justice through lawful means rather than descending into further violence,” he appealed.
The statement reiterated AYCF’s commitment to supporting the families of the victims and ensuring that authorities prosecute all those involved in the heinous crime. The group insisted that swift and decisive action was necessary to prevent a repeat of such an atrocity.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families. We stand with them in their pursuit of justice,” Shettima said. “This tragedy highlights the urgent need for authorities to address the rise in mob actions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, is protected under the law.”
AYCF also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders across the country to intensify efforts in promoting peace and mutual understanding. “We must reject mob justice in its entirety and work toward building a society where the rule of law prevails over ignorance and violence,” the statement concluded.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and peaceful coexistence, urging Nigerians to resist ethnic profiling and stereotyping that could further inflame tensions.
South South Times . 