The House of Representatives has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, describing the act as “barbaric, cowardly, and unacceptable.”
The tragic incident, which occurred on Friday, saw an irate mob set ablaze a vehicle carrying the victims, who were reportedly of northern extraction.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, the legislative body emphasized that the killing was a gross violation of human rights and the rule of law.
The House called for swift justice, urging security agencies to ensure that all those responsible for the gruesome act are identified, arrested, and prosecuted without delay.
Presidential and State Government Response
The statement acknowledged the directives of President Bola Tinubu and the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, instructing security agencies to launch an urgent investigation into the incident.
The House lauded the intervention of law enforcement agencies, which led to the rescue of some survivors and the arrest of a few suspects.
However, the House stressed that beyond immediate arrests, justice must be comprehensive and thorough. “Justice must not only be swift but also thorough. Those responsible for inciting, enabling, or carrying out this heinous crime must be fully held accountable to deter future occurrences,” the statement read.
Speaker Abbas Speaks Against Violence
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, personally condemned the killings, stating that acts of brutality such as this have no place in a society that values the sanctity of human life.
He described the attack as an affront to Nigeria’s fundamental principles of coexistence and unity.
“It is deeply disturbing that in our nation, fellow citizens can be subjected to such heinous violence, especially when our faith traditions teach us to honour the sanctity of every human life,” Abbas said.
He also called for restraint from all quarters, warning against any form of retaliation or actions that could escalate tensions further.
“We must not allow this tragic event to deepen ethnic divisions or provoke further violence. Nigerians must reject mob actions and seek lawful means to resolve grievances,” he urged.
The Need for National Dialogue on Mob Violence
The Speaker further noted that beyond seeking justice for the victims, the tragic incident highlights the urgent need for a national conversation on mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic profiling. He expressed concern that such incidents threaten Nigeria’s peace and unity and emphasized that no individual or group should take the law into their own hands.
“Mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic targeting have no place in a civilized society. We must collectively work towards strengthening our justice system so that citizens trust legal institutions rather than resorting to jungle justice,” Abbas stated.
Calls for Strengthened Security and Civic Responsibility
The House of Representatives urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, enhance response mechanisms, and implement proactive measures to prevent mob justice. The legislative body stressed that all citizens, irrespective of ethnicity or origin, must be protected from such senseless attacks.
Additionally, the House called on community leaders, religious institutions, and traditional rulers to actively foster peace, mutual understanding, and respect for the rule of law within their communities.
The statement also emphasized the role of civil society organizations and the media in promoting legal awareness, civic responsibility, and objective reporting to combat mob violence and uphold justice. “The media and civil society must work together to ensure that misinformation does not incite violence and that the rule of law is upheld in all circumstances,” the House noted.
Reaffirming Commitment to Justice
The Speaker and other lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. They emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive if citizens continue to take the law into their own hands.
The House also pledged to support policies and legislative measures that would safeguard lives and dignity.
“Taking the law into one’s own hands undermines democracy and social cohesion.
As representatives of the people, we remain resolute in our duty to protect the fundamental rights of every Nigerian and ensure that no act of lawlessness goes unpunished,” the statement read.
The House extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that it would closely monitor the progress of the investigation.
Lawmakers also vowed to work with security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
The tragic killing of 16 travellers in Edo State has once again drawn attention to the dangers of mob justice in Nigeria.
While investigations are underway, the House of Representatives has sent a strong message that extrajudicial actions will not be tolerated.
With security agencies on high alert and community leaders being urged to foster peace, the hope remains that this unfortunate incident will serve as a wake-up call for all Nigerians to reject violence and embrace lawful means of addressing disputes.
The call for justice echoes across the nation, as Nigerians demand accountability and the prevention of future occurrences.
