Crime
FG orders arrest as outrage trails 16 Edo travellers’ lynching
President Bola Tinubu and some governors in the country have condemned the gruesome murder of 16 travellers by an irate mob in Uromi, Edo State.
While the President ordered a manhunt for the killers, the governors joined in demanding justice for the victims.
Mistaken identity
The victims, who claimed to be hunters, were travelling in a Dangote Cement truck when they were accosted around 1.30pm in Udune Efandion community by local security.
Upon searching the vehicle, dane guns were reportedly discovered, which triggered the mob attack.
A disturbing video obtained by our correspondents on X captured the moment the victims were lynched.
In the 29-second clip, the travellers could be heard wailing and pleading for their lives as the crowd beat them to a stupor and set them ablaze.
“Please, please, wayo, wayo,” one of the victims wailed.
Shockingly, some residents went about their activities, seemingly unbothered by the brutal scene unfolding before them.
An eyewitness, who identified himself simply as John, said the mob mistook the travellers for kidnappers.
He said, “After seeing the travellers with guns, the vigilantes raised the alarm, as people descended on them. How could they be carrying arms from wherever they were coming from? Are they hunters? What were they doing in a Dangote Cement truck with guns? I think the people were frustrated by frequent kidnaps in the area. However, they should have handed them over to the police.”
The gory video also showed a resident using a wheelbarrow to throw one of the victims into the raging fire.
A female voice in the background was heard saying, “Eyah, he is crying,” as the violence continued.
A man dressed in a white T-shirt and black jeans was seen directing the attack, while another male voice in the mob mocked the victims.
A resident, who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, criticised the police for arriving late at the scene.
“If the police had arrived early enough, this tragedy could have been prevented. But by the time they arrived, only four people could be saved, and they were rushed to a hospital,” he stated.
16 travellers killed
Reacting to the incident, the Edo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects.
The command’s spokesman, Moses Yamu, in a statement on Friday, noted that an emergency meeting was convened with stakeholders and members of the community to address the situation.
He said a unit of the Police Mobile Force personnel with other tactical teams had been deployed in the area to forestall a breakdown of law and order.
Yamu cautioned against any form of reprisals or unlawful gatherings that might further escalate tension.
Narrating what led to the mob attack, the police spokesman said, “The incident occurred when a truck, with registration number KKF 225 XA, coming from Port Harcourt, conveying 25 travellers from Elele, a suburb of Rivers State, was accosted by some vigilante group members at Uromi, and some of the travellers who were found in possession of locally-made dane guns were arrested.
“While this was ongoing, some vigilante members raised the alarm of them being suspected kidnappers, which led some members and passersby in the community to attack and lynch 16 of the occupants, while the truck conveying them was equally burnt.
“Police operatives attached to the Uromi division got wind of the incident and swiftly stormed the scene where 10 of the travellers were rescued, two of whom sustained varying degrees of injury and were rushed to a hospital, where they are currently positively responding to treatment.”
A source in Edo State confirmed that 16 of the travellers died from the mob attack.
Tinubu, NGF order manhunt
President Tinubu, in a statement on Friday, directed the police and other security agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigations and punish the suspected culprits.
The President, who expressed shock at the dastardly act, commiserated with the families of the affected victims and assured them that the criminals would be brough to book.
“The President noted that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria, and all Nigerians have the freedom to move freely in any part of the country,” the statement read.
Also, the Northern States Governors’ Forum condemned in strong terms the killing of the travellers.
The Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, described the attack as a gross violation of human rights, stressing that extrajudicial violence must be condemned with severity.
In a press statement signed by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, the NSGF chairman expressed condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by the tragic event.
Yahaya said, “We are deeply disturbed by the loss of innocent lives and the horrific manner in which these individuals were attacked.
“This appalling act undermines the rule of law and the very fabric of our society. It is imperative that the relevant authorities conduct a full and thorough investigation into this senseless act. The perpetrators must be identified, arrested, and brought to justice swiftly.”
He reiterated that all Nigerians, regardless of their region, should be able to travel freely and safely without fear of harassment, violence, or intimidation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a statement on his verified X handle on Friday, stressed that the protection of lives must remain a top priority at all levels of government.
He wrote, “I am deeply saddened by reports of the tragic killing of some hunters in Edo State. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families and loved ones. This unfortunate incident demands a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation to uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible are brought to book. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore public confidence in our security institutions.”
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, while condemning the attack, described it as barbaric and vicious.
Represented by the Chief Security Officer of Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, the governor vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and made to face the full wrath of the law.
He stressed that such acts would not be tolerated in the state and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ensure justice.
The governor said, “I can assure you that those involved in this unprovoked attack will not go scot-free, as His Excellency has directed the Commissioner of Police to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter. As we speak, over four persons have been arrested for their involvement in this ugly incident.”
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, in a statement on his X handle, said the killings were “deeply saddening.”
He added that the tragic incident underscored the need for a justice system that would uphold the rule of law and protect every citizen, regardless of background.
Obi stressed that mob justice posed a significant threat to societal stability and called on security agencies to intensify efforts in curbing such lawless actions.
“Reports indicate that these individuals were accused of being kidnappers, leading to their brutal murder by a mob. While addressing security concerns and combating criminal activities is crucial, resorting to extrajudicial measures undermines the rule of law and exacerbates the cycle of violence. I commend the government for condemning this incident and initiating an investigation. Furthermore, the authorities should also address the killings of Edo indigenes to ensure that justice is served for all,” he said.
Also a former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in a Facebook post, noted that every Nigerian had the right to travel freely without fear of harassment or intimidation.
He wrote, “I am concerned by the harrowing display of mob injustice on 16 travellers from Northern Nigeria in Edo State. This tragedy, which unfolded on March 27, 2025, in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, is another sad reminder of the barbarity of jungle justice.” He also called on authorities to initiate a thorough investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable.
It’s horrifying injustice – Arewa
Also, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum condemned the brutal act in a statement issued in Kaduna on Friday by its President General, Yerima Shetima.
The AYCF described the incident as a “horrifying display of mob injustice” fueled by false accusations and ignorance.
The forum demanded immediate and thorough investigations into the tragedy, calling for swift and decisive action against those responsible.
It also urged the Hausa community to remain calm and peaceful, and to resist the temptation for retaliation while seeking justice through lawful means.
According to Shetima, the forum stands ready to support the community in advocating their rights and ensuring that such an atrocity is never repeated.
Speaking on the issue, the leader of the Hausa Community in Uromi, Mallam Aliyu Haruna, thanked Governor Okpebholo for deploying the CSO and other security personnel to the community.
He acknowledged that their presence brought calm and reassurance to the Hausa community in the area, as there was palpable fear and unease in their camp following the unfortunate incident.
Haruna said, “This is the first time a thing like this has happened in Uromi, and it baffles me because the people of Uromi have been so accommodating to us. Over the years, we have lived peacefully among the indigenous people. Our sojourn in this land has spanned over seventy years. I was born here, and so are many other people you see here today.”
Victims of a violent attack in Umunkpumente Kindred, Ihie Autonomous Community, Ishiagu, in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have called on Governor , the Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the incident.
The victims, numbering more than 10, were reportedly attacked by suspected thugs while holding a meeting at the residence of the late Fabian Okonkwo, who was allegedly murdered by unknown gunmen on April 16, 2026.
According to members of the kindred, the attack may be linked to their persistent demands for a thorough investigation into Okonkwo’s killing.
Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of Umunkpumente Kindred, Mr. Christopher Okonkwo, alleged that the crisis began after the kindred petitioned the Ebonyi State Government and the Police Command, requesting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Fabian Okonkwo.
He explained that prior to his death, Fabian Okonkwo had sought permission to bury his late in-law on family land located in Ekembe, Ihie Autonomous Community.
According to him, Okonkwo first approached the President-General of the community, Mr. Chijoke Ume, who allegedly opposed the request and warned him against proceeding with the burial.
“Late Fabian then approached the traditional ruler of Ihie Autonomous Community, Eze Gabriel Okoro, who granted approval after confirming that the land belonged to Fabian’s family and that his relatives had consented to the burial,” he said.
Mr. Okonkwo alleged that in the early hours of April 16, armed men invaded Fabian’s residence and shot him multiple times in the head.
“Nothing was taken from the house, which strongly suggests that the attackers came specifically to kill him,” he stated.
He further alleged that after several weeks with no visible progress in the investigation, members of the kindred petitioned the Governor and the Commissioner of Police, leading to the arrest and questioning of the community President-General, Chijoke Ume, and his secretary, Kenneth Kalu.
According to him, tensions escalated following the arrests.
He claimed that on June 3, the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, contacted him and urged him to facilitate the release of the detained community leaders.
“I explained that the petition was not my personal decision but that of the entire kindred. However, I was repeatedly pressured to withdraw the petition,” he alleged.
Mr. Okonkwo further claimed that on June 5, a group of youths allegedly led by one Emeka Chukwuemeka invaded his residence in his absence and destroyed some of his property.
He said the attackers allegedly threatened him through a relative, giving him 24 hours to secure the release of the detained individuals or face consequences.
He also alleged that on June 7, while members of the kindred gathered at the late Fabian Okonkwo’s residence to discuss support for the deceased’s family, more than 100 youths from three neighbouring kindreds stormed the venue and attacked them.
“They injured about 10 persons, burnt one motorcycle, damaged two others and looted and destroyed a shop belonging to Mr. Onwulandu Mbazu,” he said.
Mr. Okonkwo urged Governor Nwifuru and security agencies to investigate what he described as repeated attacks against members of the kindred.
He recalled that a similar incident allegedly occurred on August 31, 2024, resulting in injuries and destruction of property.
Another victim and Financial Secretary of the kindred, Mr. James Ifeanyi, accused the Youth President of Ihie Autonomous Community, Mr. Kelvin Chukwuemeka, and a Special Assistant to the Local Government Chairman, Mr. Festus Nwafor, of leading the attack.
According to him, the assailants arrived armed with dangerous weapons and unleashed violence on members of the kindred.
“I know some of those who attacked us, including Kelechi Mkpa, Orji Ugochukwu and Orji Christian,” he alleged.
He further claimed that the attack was aimed at frustrating ongoing efforts to uncover those responsible for the murder of Fabian Okonkwo.
The victims appealed to security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into both the killing and the subsequent attacks, insisting that those responsible should be brought to justice.
Reacting to the allegations, the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, confirmed that the murder of Fabian Okonkwo had been reported to the police and that investigations were ongoing.
Similarly, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest of the community President-General and his secretary, adding that normalcy had been restored in the area.
Ukandu expressed concern over the violence and protests that followed the arrests.
“It is unfortunate that people would resort to protests and attacks over the arrest and questioning of individuals linked to an ongoing murder investigation,” he said.
“The police have not concluded their investigation. Those involved should have allowed due process to take its course. If anyone suspects foul play, there are lawful channels through which complaints can be made.”
The police spokesman assured residents that the command remains committed to ensuring justice, maintaining peace, and ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Commander of Operations for Agunechemba Security Squad Chief Chinenye Ihenkor has described his 30 Years of fighting insecurity in Anambra state as tough and hell on earth.
Ihenkor who disclosed this shortly after receiving the Peace and Security Legend Award presented to him by the management of Nigerian Radar in Awka Anambra state noted that in the past 30 that he has been in the job of fighting insecurity in the area it has been tough and hell on earth.
“This 30 years since my life has been committed to the security of lives and property in Anambra state but I must tell you that my days in the past 30 years has not been easy ”
“It has been tough 30 years of policing in Anambra state but with God all things are possible”
“We have passed through hell and through so many attacks and challenges to make sure that people of Anambra state and the residents sleep with their two eyes closed ”
“I have passed so many challenges but not withstanding the major thing is that I am alive ”
“I have had so many worse days in Anambra state and they are uncountable to tell you the truth”
“Any time or day that I go for operations it is a worse day to me any day that I deploy my personnel is a worse day so that is about 30 worse days” he said.
Reacting to the award , Ihenkor noted that though he wasn’t expecting it , he wasn’t surprise that it came which according to him is an indication that Anambra people are aware of his duties in the area.
“I cannot say that I wasn’t expecting the award because it has gone to show that the world is awear of what I am doing.”
“This award is a success story for the Udo Ga Chi and Agunechemba Security Squad specifically”
“I thank the organization that presented this award to me and charge them to keep it up in the discharge of their duties.l”
“Iwant to thank our Governor Charles Soludo because without him we would not have been here today doing this job and appreciate the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security Prince Kenneth Emeakayi for his leadership qualities in the fight against insecurity in Anambra state”
“This is because the job of security is not for one person alone and it is everyman’s duty no matter your position or level in the society” he noted .
Presenting the award the Publisher Chief Executive Officer of The Radar Magazine , Mr Anthony C Okwunebe explained that the organization has 50 outstanding personalities that have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour which have impacted positively of the lives of people a d the society adding that Ihenkor is one of them .
He charged men and women in positions of responsibility to see their respective positions as service to the masses and the society at large noting that their individual and collective efforts would serve as multiplayer effects on the country at large .
Senor Special Assistant to Governor on Security Mr Okechukwu Dominic described the award as a great tonic and impetus for the security operatives in the state to put more action in the discharge of their duties.
“We are not surprise that people are commending us for the job that we are doing and we are proud of the Director of Operations and the Special Adviser to Soludo on Community Security Prince Kenneth Emeakayi for his leadership roles in fighting security and above all we all thank Mr Governor for finding us warthiy to work under his administration” he said.
The abductors, who attacked schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, are said to be demanding the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law.
The two commanders whose release is reportedly being sought are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, also called Mallam Mamuda.
The duo are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, JAMBS, also known as Ansaru — a breakaway faction of Boko Haram — and are alleged to have aided and abetted acts of terrorism in the country between 2013 and 2015.
They are also linked to the 2022 Kuje prison break.
They were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently standing trial on terrorism charges before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/464/2025, with their trial commencing on January 15, 2026.
Usman was sentenced to 15 years in prison by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on September 11, 2025, after pleading guilty to one count of illegal mining — which he admitted he used to fund arms procurement for terrorism and kidnapping.
He denied 31 other counts and remains in DSS custody pending trial on those charges.
Other reports indicate the ransom demand stands at ₦1bn, to be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin. PUNCH Online could not independently verify this figure.
Security analysts have warned that releasing the commanders would pose serious risks to national security.
A retired Brigadier-General, Bashir Adewinbi, speaking with Saturday PUNCH said the situation had put the government in a tight corner, warning that paying ransom or releasing terrorist commanders would embolden criminal groups and fund further attacks.
Another retired Brigadier-General, Peter Aro, urged the government to first establish proof that the abductees were still alive before taking any decision, noting that prolonged captivity posed serious risks, particularly for young children.
The Oyo State Government has declined to comment on the demands or the state of negotiations, with the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, saying it would be “unhelpful” to disclose the government’s strategy while efforts to secure the victims’ release were ongoing.
On May 17, two days after the attack, the abductors released a video showing the beheading of one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the killing in a statement on Monday, May 18, describing it as deeply painful.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
A total of eight suspected fake Pastors were on Friday arraigned before the Awka High Court in Anambra state.
Recall that Governor Charles Soludo had at a church service in Awka announced that some suspected fake Pastors are already under the custody of the state government for activities that are unbecoming of their roles as servants in God’s Vineyard.
Recall also that at the peak of the clampdown on fake Native Doctors, the affected Native Doctors protested that the Anambra state government has been neck deep in selective justice contending that the fake Pastors obtain their powers from Native Doctors.
They queried why their colleagues are being arrested while their clients who are Pastors are left to walk the streets freely.
It was against this backdrop that the Anambra state government beamed it’s searchlight on the activities of some Pastors which led to the arraignment of eight suspected fake Pastors.
It was gathered that the alleged fake pastors violated the 2025 Homeland Security law established by the administration of Prof Charles Soludo.
The Senior Special Assistant to Soludo on New Media Sir Ejimofor Opara who confirmed the development said the Homeland security law was passed in February 2025 and it frowns at certain forms of religious practices that are deemed inimical to the public, especially as it pertains to creation of illegal wealth.
Last year, some native doctors who were promoting get-rich-quick practices (Okeite rituals) were also arrested and prosecuted accordingly with some of them serving jail terms while othere are currently undergoing trial.ls.
The names of those arraigned before the High Court include; Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu and Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu.
Others are Ndubisi Nnachukwu,
Miracle Iruoma and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, is leading the prosecution.
The Muslim community in Oyo State has condemned the Sharia-related demands reportedly made by terrorists holding teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, declaring that the criminals do not represent Islam or Muslims.
The position came as public and private schools across Oyo State’s 33 local government areas shut down in solidarity with the abducted victims.
Also, security analysts in separate interviews, offered differing views on how the Federal Government could respond to the terrorists’ demands.
The abductors, who attacked three schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, reportedly demanded the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law before freeing the captives.
In a statement issued on Friday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Sanvni, and Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, the Muslim community in Oyo State described the terrorists’ action as criminal and contrary to Islamic teachings.
The group said attempts by the abductors to justify their actions through religious rhetoric amounted to a distortion of Islam.
“Islam forbids kidnapping, terrorism and the extortion of innocent citizens. Legitimate Sharia promotes justice, peace and the sanctity of human life, values that stand in direct opposition to the activities of criminal groups,” the statement said.
The organisation added that terrorists could not claim to speak on behalf of Muslims.
“Terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak for Muslims,” it stated.
Quoting Chapter 5 Verse 32 of the Holy Qur’an, the community stressed that Islam places a high premium on the protection of human life and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those in captivity.
The development came amid growing concerns over the fate of the abducted teachers and pupils.
A traditional ruler in one of the affected communities, the Eleshi of Esiele, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, appealed to the government to secure the release of the victims.
“We are aware of the ransom demands of the terrorists, but we are helpless. We are looking up to the government and pleading for intervention,” he said.
Schools shut in 33LGAs
Findings by revealed that the management of private schools issued a statement on Wednesday directing all schools to shut down from Friday, June 5.
One of the internal memos obtained by our correspondent in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday read, “Due to the situation at hand and the ongoing protest in the state, all pupils and students should stay at home until further notice. No school for now until further notice.”
Also, a message circulated to private schools by the Ibadan District Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Joshua Olaoluwa, and obtained by Saturday PUNCH, read, “Good day, all school owners/administrators. Due to the recent kidnapping of teachers and students in Oriire LGA and rising security concerns, all NAPPS member schools in Ibadan District will be closed on Friday, June 5, 2026, as a mark of solidarity and for prayers for the victims’ safe release and the protection of all schools.
“If anyone tries to disrupt school activities before or after Friday, please record a video if it is safe to do so, report to the nearest police station, and inform your NAPPS LGA coordinator and the district office immediately.”
The state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Fatai Hassan, had earlier disclosed that all public secondary and primary schools would remain closed until the abductees are rescued alive.
Speaking in Ibadan, the chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association of one of the affected schools, who requested anonymity, said, “We had already held a meeting over the closure of the school. You know this is more or less a remote area. It is not that remote, but we cannot compare schools in this environment with those around the Agbowo-UI, Bodija, Sango or Mokola axis.
“But we had to consider those students writing their terminal examinations. Otherwise, we would have joined the public protest since Monday. We eventually shut down the school on Wednesday,” the source said.
-
Politics3 days agoSenate: Enugu West Aspirant OAU Onyema Quits NDC, Alleges Manipulation of Party Primaries
-
Crime5 days agoPosters of Abducted Seven Teachers, 39 Pupils Flood Oyo Communities
-
News5 days agoRights Group Petitions IGP, Seeks Probe of Police Role in Controversial Enugu Land Disputes
-
Crime5 days agoAbducted Students: Oyo Assembly refuses to negotiatie with bandits
-
Crime4 days agoPolice Arrest 3 Suspected Criminals, Recover Firearms, Ammunition, Drugs in Enugu
-
Politics5 days agoAide Sacked For Advising President Tinubu To Resign
-
Crime4 days agoLocal Government Vice Chairman Remanded In Prison
-
Sports5 days agoMbah Rewards Rangers Players, Management with Plots of Land, N150m for Winning NPFL