State Assembly Speakers condemn Uromi lynching of 16 travelers
By Ndukaku Ihe
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN) has strongly condemned the horrific lynching of 16 travelers who were, on transit to Kano for the Eid-Fitr celebrations.
The victims accused of possessing dane guns, known as local firearms were all said to be hunters.
chairman of the conference, Adebo Ogundoyin, in a statement on Monday,
regretted that the victims were tragically killed by a mob in Uromi, Edo State, on Friday, March 28, 2025, when they were passing through Uromi to the northern part of the country.
The actions of the so-called vigilance group members, he said were “barbaric and unjustifiable.”
The conference decried the act of mob violence as a gross violation of human rights and a serious threat to peace and security.
Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, said: “Such extrajudicial killings undermine the rule of law and contribute to the erosion of societal values.
“We commend the prompt response of the Edo State Government and security agencies in addressing the situation. But we urge them to intensify efforts to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are swiftly identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
The conference also called for proper and rigorous oversight of the community policing structures established by various state governments.
“It is essential to ensure that these local security operatives operate with professionalism, respect for human rights, and in line with the rule of law. Effective oversight will safeguard the integrity of these initiatives and ensure they do not become instruments of injustice.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the deceased. We extend our deepest condolences during this time of grief and stand with them in their loss. ”
