General Christopher Musa Condemns Brutal Killing of Northern Hunters in Edo State

General Christopher Musa has strongly condemned the gruesome killing of northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State, on March 28, 2025. He described the incident as a preventable tragedy that resulted from misinformation and mob violence, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to take charge of such situations rather than civilians resorting to extrajudicial actions.

General Musa stated that the victims were innocent travelers returning home for Eid-el-Fitr celebrations when they were wrongly profiled as criminals. According to reports, they were intercepted by vigilantes and armed youths, brutally beaten, tied to tires, doused in petrol, and set ablaze while pleading for their lives. The horrifying act, captured in widely circulated videos, has sparked widespread condemnation across the country.

Circumstances Leading to the Lynching

General Christopher Musa explained that the victims were northern hunters returning from Rivers State to Kano when they were stopped by a local security group in Edo. A search of their vehicle uncovered locally made hunting rifles, which are common tools for hunters in northern Nigeria. However, their possession of these weapons led to a wrongful assumption that they were criminals.

General Christopher Musa emphasized that the situation escalated rapidly due to mob hysteria and a failure to verify the victims’ identities. Despite their attempts to prove they were lawful citizens, the crowd refused to listen. The tragic event highlights the dangers of vigilante justice and the urgent need for stronger oversight of local security groups.

Official Reactions and Calls for Justice

General Christopher Musa assured Nigerians that the security forces would ensure justice for the victims. He stressed that only law enforcement agencies have the authority to investigate and prosecute suspected criminals, not vigilante groups or mobs acting on emotions. He urged all citizens to trust the police, military, and other security agencies to handle security matters.

General Christopher Musa also called on the Nigerian government to implement stricter regulations for vigilante operations. He proposed that all local security groups be registered with the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Armed Forces to prevent unauthorized actions and misuse of force.

Edo State Government and Police Response

General Christopher Musa acknowledged that the Edo State Government had taken swift action in response to the incident. The state governor, Monday Okpebholo, condemned the killings as “barbaric and unacceptable” and vowed that those responsible would face the full weight of the law. He also ordered the suspension of the Edo State Security Network’s commander and disbanded unauthorized vigilante groups in the state.

General Musa noted that the Edo State Police Command had arrested 14 suspects linked to the killings. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend others involved, and the Inspector General of Police has set up a special task force to handle the case. These measures, he stated, are necessary to ensure justice and prevent future occurrences.

National Reactions and Ethnic Tensions

General Christopher Musa acknowledged the nationwide outrage and growing concerns over ethnic profiling in Nigeria. He emphasized that no group should be targeted based on their ethnicity or region of origin, warning that such discrimination could fuel further divisions and insecurity. The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has described the killings as a “gross violation of human rights” and demanded accountability.

General Musa also highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condemnation of the attack. The president described the incident as “an act of lawlessness that must not go unpunished” and directed security agencies to ensure all culprits are brought to justice. Various civil society organizations have also called for urgent reforms to prevent mob justice from becoming a recurring issue in the country.

Preventing Future Tragedies

General Christopher Musa urged community leaders, security agencies, and the government to work together in preventing similar incidents. He reiterated the need for proper identification and verification processes when handling security concerns. To avoid wrongful killings, he recommended that all vigilante groups report suspicious activities to the police instead of taking unilateral action.

General Musa concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity and national cohesion. He called on Nigerians to reject mob justice and uphold the rule of law, warning that failure to do so could erode trust in the country’s justice system. By fostering cooperation and strengthening law enforcement oversight, Nigeria can prevent such tragic events from occurring in the future.