The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Sunday, strongly condemned the killing of 16 hunters in Edo State, vowing that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
The CDS pledged, as the Edo State government said, that Governor Monday Okpehbolo had reached out to the victims’ families, the Hausa community leaders in the state, and the northern governors about the incident.
About 14 suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the tragic incident.
A mob killed the hunters in Uromi, Edo State, last Thursday while travelling to Kano from Rivers State to celebrate Eid with their families.
The incident was said to have happened when the truck conveying them was stopped by a vigilante group, and the men who were found with dane guns were lynched by the interceptors who mistook them for kidnappers.
No fewer than 16 victims were set ablaze, while 10 were rescued by the police. Those who died in the incident were buried on Saturday.
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, said the CDS stated that the tragic incident could have been prevented had the appropriate authorities been notified to verify the identities of the victims.
It read, “Gen 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.
“Gen 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.
The statement added, “The CDS also urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands but always revert to constituted authority 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 and others to register with relevant agencies to regulate the possession of firearms.
Musa also admonished local hunters and vigilante groups to register with the police, Department of State Services, 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.