The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has condemned the killing of travellers in Edo State, vowing that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
Last Thursday, a mob in Uromi, Edo State, killed 16 traveling hunters.
The victims were reportedly returning home from Rivers State to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid-el-Fitr with their families when they were attacked.
The incident has been widely condemned by various northern groups, state governments, and lawmakers.
In a statement on Sunday by the Director Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the CDS said the tragic incident could have been prevented had the appropriate authorities been notified to verify the identities of the victims.
Gusau said, “General Christopher Musa has condemned in strong terms the unfortunate killing of hunters while on transit in Edo State. The incident, which occurred on 28 March 2025, could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities were notified and involved in ascertaining the identity of the victims.
“General Musa condoled with the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the families of those who lost their lives.”
He also urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead rely on security agencies for conflict resolution.
Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will collaborate with the police and other security agencies to ensure justice is served.
Gusau said, “The CDS also urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands but always revert to constituted authorities in matters that affect security. The Nigeria police, military, and other security agencies are well trained to handle such matters.
“The Chief of Defence Staff assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.”
He warned vigilante groups, hunters, among others, to register with relevant agencies to regulate the possession of firearms.
Gusau said, “He warned that all local hunters and vigilante groups should register with the police, DSS, AFN and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of firearms, while calling on vigilante groups to always revert to police for appropriate action.
“He also sues for calm and seeks for citizens’ support to the AFN and other security agencies to continue to perform their constitutional duties with diligence”. (The Punch)