In a harrowing display of mob injustice, 16 innocent travelers from Northern Nigeria lost their lives in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, Edo State, after being falsely accused of kidnapping.
This unfathomable tragedy unfolded on Thursday as an irate mob took the law into their own hands, fueled by false claims and sheer ignorance.
Intelligence sources, according to Zagazola Makama, disclosed that the victims, primarily Hausa hunters, were en route from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Sallah festivities when they were intercepted around 1:30 p.m. by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes.
“The sight of their hunting guns, Dane guns commonly used in the North was misinterpreted as a threat. Instead of contacting the police or other security agencies, local vigilantes raised the false alarm, which ignited a wave of chaos and violence.
“The reaction was swift and brutal. Local youths, incited by the unfounded accusations, viciously attacked the travellers, resulting in the tragic loss of 16 lives on the spot. In a grotesque act of barbarism, the mob set the truck ablaze, leaving some bodies trapped inside the vehicle. While some people were taken out on wheelbarrow and thrown inside fire. This gruesome scene only points to the sickening reality of mob justice that has taken root in certain communities.
“Responsive action from security operatives came too late for the victims. By the time they arrived on the scene following a distress call, the damage had been done.
“Four survivors were rescued and rushed to His Grace Hospital in Uromi for urgent medical treatment”, sources said.
Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed the arrest of five suspects as the investigation is currently ongoing.
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