A federal lawmaker representing Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Federal Constituency, Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, has condemned the killing of Hausa travelers in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims, mostly hunters, were reportedly traveling to Kano for the upcoming Sallah celebrations when they were attacked by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes.
In a statement issued on Friday, Rurum described the incident as an unjustified act of violence.
“It is with deep sorrow and outrage that I condemn, in the strongest terms, the brutal and unjustified killing of innocent travelers in Uromi, Edo State. The victims, mostly Hausa hunters, were on their way to Kano to partake in the joyous Sallah festivities when they were intercepted and mercilessly attacked by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes,” he said.
Among the victims, Rurum noted, were seven individuals from Torankawa in Sanda Ward of Bunkure Local Government Area, within his constituency, while another person remains hospitalized due to severe injuries.
Other victims were from Kura and Garko Local Government Areas of Kano State.
Calling the attack a violation of human rights, the lawmaker raised concerns over the rising violence against Northerners in parts of the South-East and South-South regions. He urged security agencies and the federal government to act swiftly to ensure justice.
“This is not the first time such a barbaric incident has occurred, and it is unacceptable that innocent citizens are continuously subjected to violence and extrajudicial killings while traveling or conducting their legitimate businesses,” Rurum stated.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Justice must be served, and concrete measures must be put in place to protect the lives and rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds,” he stressed.
Rurum also extended condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Kano State.
“I stand in solidarity with the grieving families of the victims and the entire people of Kano State. May the souls of the departed rest in Aljannatul Firdaus, and may Allah grant their families the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
