Two months after the killing of 16 hunters in Uromi, Edo State, families of the victims say promises made to them by the Kano and Edo State governments remain unfulfilled.
Malam Ibrahim Isah, the only survivor of the attack, told 21st Century Chronicle that neither state has offered any tangible support to the bereaved families. “We are still waiting. Nothing has been done,” he said.
The victims, all from Kibiya, Rano, and Bunkure local government areas in Kano State, were returning from their annual hunting expedition and heading home for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations when they were ambushed in Uromi village, Esan North-East LGA of Edo State.
“These families have never experienced this kind of hardship. Their breadwinners are gone, and they are struggling to survive,” said Malam Isah, who has now taken up the responsibility of speaking on behalf of the victims’ families.
He added, “No amount of money can bring back the dead, but at least help should be given to those they left behind. The widows and children are in serious distress. The situation they are in is heartbreaking.”
One of the widows shared her experience, saying they were asked to open bank accounts and were issued ATM cards with the promise that compensation would be deposited — but nothing came of it.
“From God we come and to Him we shall return. I never imagined I would end up in this kind of situation, but it is Allah’s will,” she said. “Raising three children alone is not easy. What we ask is simple — fulfill the promises made to us.”
Another widow echoed the same concerns, saying their families were left hanging after initial contacts were made by government officials.
When contacted for comment, an official of the Kano State Government declined to speak on the matter. However, a government source confirmed that the issue is currently with the office of the Deputy Governor.
