..Call for Justice and Accountability
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has condemned the mob killing of sixteen (16) northerners in Uromi, Edo state on Thursday.
In a press statement signed by Yerima Shetima, President General, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) said the 16 innocent travellers from the northern part of the country lost their lives due to a horrifying display of mob injustice.
According to the statement, “we stands united in its outrage and condemnation of the horrific events that transpired on Thursday in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, Edo State, where 16 innocent travelers from Northern Nigeria tragically lost their lives due to a horrifying display of mob injustice.
“These victims, primarily Hausa hunters, were en route from Port Harcourt to Kano to celebrate the Sallah festivities when they fell prey to a brutal and misguided attack, fueled by false accusations and sheer ignorance. It is with deep sorrow that we learnt that these individuals were intercepted around 1:30 p.m. by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes.
“The subsequent actions of an irate mob, incited by unfounded claims of kidnapping, led to a grotesque act of barbarism that is both regrettable and unacceptable. The mob’s actions resulted in the loss of 16 precious lives, with some bodies tragically trapped inside the vehicle that was set ablaze.
“Eyewitness accounts reveal the horrifying scene where some victims were removed on wheelbarrows and thrown into the flames, a chilling testament to the sickening reality of mob justice that has taken root in most Southern Nigerian communities.
“The AYCF vehemently denounces this act of mob violence and calls for immediate and thorough investigations into this grotesque tragedy. We demand that the authorities take swift and decisive action against those responsible for inciting and participating in this heinous crime. It is imperative that justice is served not only for the victims and their grieving families but also to restore faith in our justice system, which must not be overshadowed by the lawlessness of a mob.
“We recognize the pain and anger that this incident has caused within the Hausa community in Uromi and beyond. However, we urge our brothers and sisters to remain calm and peaceful while also being vigilant. It is essential to resist the temptation for retaliation and instead seek justice through lawful means.
“The AYCF stands ready to support the community in advocating for their rights and ensuring that such an atrocity is never repeated.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and call upon the relevant authorities to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrators of this mob injustice to justice. We must work together to build a society where dialogue and understanding prevail over violence and ignorance.
“The AYCF remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and unity among all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or regional backgrounds.