AYCF condemns killing of 16 travelers in Edo

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has condemned the horrific killing of sixteen travelers on Thursday in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, Edo State.

In a statement issued by the President General of the forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Friday, he said, “The victims 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 learned 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 sixteen precious lives, with some bodies tragically trapped inside the vehicle that was set ablaze.”

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Shettima said eyewitness accounts revealed a horrifying scene where some victims were removed on wheelbarrows and thrown into the flames — a chilling testament to the sickening reality of mob actions that have taken root in many Southern Nigerian communities.

The AYCF vehemently denounced this act of mob violence and called for immediate and thorough investigations into this grotesque tragedy, demanding that the authorities take swift and decisive action against those responsible for inciting and participating in this heinous crime.

He posited that it is imperative justice is served not only for the victims and their grieving families but also to restore faith in the 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.”

Shettima said 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, he stressed, remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and unity among all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic or regional backgrounds.