The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, has condemned what they called “mob injustice” where 16 innocent travelers from Northern Nigeria tragically lost their lives in Uromi, Edo State, calling for justice and accountability.

According to AYCF, the events transpired on Thursday in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, Edo State, where 16 innocent travelers from Northern Nigeria tragically lost their lives.

A statement issued by the forum’s National President, Yerima Shetima stated that the individuals were intercepted around 1:30 pm by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes.

According to him, “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 16 precious lives, with some bodies tragically trapped inside the vehicle that was set ablaze.”

He further explained that eyewitness accounts revealed the “horrifying scene where some victims were removed on wheelbarrows and thrown into the flames, a chilling testament to the sickening reality of mob justice that has taken root in most Southern Nigerian communities”.

The AYCF then denounced the act of mob violence and called for immediate and thorough investigations into the “grotesque tragedy” and demanded that the authorities take swift and decisive action against those responsible for inciting and participating in the heinous crime, stressing that it was imperative that justice was 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.

Shettima explained that the forum recognized the pain and anger that the incident had caused within the Hausa community in Uromi and beyond, urging their brothers and sisters to remain calm and peaceful while also being vigilant, as it was essential to resist the temptation for retaliation and instead seek justice through lawful means.

The AYCF said they stand ready to support the community in advocating for their rights and ensuring that such an atrocity was 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 statement explained.

Edo: Killing of travellers unacceptable, justice must be served – Arewa youths