By Abubakar Yunusa
A Nigerian civil society group,has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 16 Hausa by a vigilante group in Edo State, calling it a “senseless and inhuman” act of jungle justice.
The Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD) issued a statement on Saturday, denouncing the attack, which took place in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims, who were traveling from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Kano State for Sallah celebrations, were reportedly set ablaze by vigilantes in a shocking act of mob violence.
“Our hearts bled as we saw fellow compatriots burnt alive by vigilantes in the video circulated on social media for merely traveling home to celebrate Sallah with their families,” PAPSD Executive Director Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi said.
Shinkafi described the incident as “heartless, ungodly, barbaric, and savage,” stressing that such acts have no place in a civilized society.
He further warned that Nigeria must not become a “banana republic” where lawlessness prevails.
The rights group called for urgent action from authorities, citing constitutional protections for freedom of movement and fair hearing.
“Section 41(1) of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens’ right to movement, and no one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” Shinkafi added.
He also emphasized that any individual accused of a crime must be tried in a court of law.
PAPSD urged the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to swiftly apprehend those responsible and ensure they face justice. “This will serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements in the country,” the group stated.
The organization also called on the National Assembly and state legislatures to enact laws that explicitly criminalize mob killings in Nigeria.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the departed souls,” PAPSD said, extending condolences to the people and government of Kano State. “May Almighty God console, comfort, and strengthen them in this period of grief.”
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