The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has strongly condemned the killing of 16 traveling hunters in Edo State, vowing that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
The victims, who were returning home from Rivers State to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid-el-Fitr with their families, were attacked by a mob in Uromi, Edo State.General Musa emphasized that the tragic incident could have been prevented if the appropriate authorities had been notified to verify the identities of the victims.
Furthermore, He also urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead rely on security agencies for conflict resolution. Musa said, “The CDS also urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands but always revert to constitutated authorities 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 relavant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.”
The incident has been widely condemned by various northern groups, state governments, and lawmakers. Amnesty International has also condemned the killing, calling on Nigerian authorities to launch an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident.
In a similar vein, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the recent violent attacks in the state, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Chief of Defence Staff has assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will collaborate with the police and other security agencies to ensure justice is served. He warned vigilante groups, hunters, and others to register with relevant agencies to regulate the possession of firearms.
Musa said, “He warned that all local hunters and vigilante groups should register with the police, DSS, AFN and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of fire arms, while calling on vigilante groups to always revert to police for appropriate action.
“He also sue for calm and seek for citizens support to the AFN and other security agencies to continue to perform their constitutional duties with diligence. “
