Edo jungle justice: ‘Heartless, ungodly, barbaric’ – Shinkafi condemns killing of alleged Hausa hunters

A former governorship aspirant in Zamfara State, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has condemned in strong terms the killing of 16 alleged hunters traveling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Kano State for Sallah celebrations by a vigilante group in Uromi, Edo State.

The hunters, bearing about 19 locally made firearms, as confirmed by the Inspector General's statement on Friday, were said to have been stopped by the vigilantes in the area.

The hunters, traveling in a Dangote truck, were reportedly set ablaze, and Shinkafi described this as despicable and an act of sadism of the worst order.

In a statement he signed on behalf of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development (PAPSD), Shinkafi condemned what he called man's inhumanity to man.

“It is heartless, ungodly, barbaric, and savagery,” he said.

“Our hearts bled as we saw fellow compatriots burnt alive by the vigilantes in the video circulated on social media for merely traveling home to celebrate Sallah with their families.

“Jungle justice has no place in all civilized societies. Nigeria is not a Banana Republic. The country is governed by the rule of law.

“Section 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, guarantees citizens' right to freedom of movement.

“The Constitution also provides the right to a fair hearing in a court of competent jurisdiction if an offence is allegedly committed.

“There is no place for mob action, let alone setting fellow citizens ablaze and watching them die. Whither our common humanity? We must redefine our values as a people.

“Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

“We urge security agencies to ensure the protection of citizens wherever they are, particularly during festive periods that require traveling.

“We also urge the Inspector General of Police and relevant security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of this evil and ensure they face the full weight of the law. This will serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements in the country.

“We urge the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly across the 36 states to enact laws that will curb mob killings in Nigeria.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the departed souls. May Almighty God console, comfort, and strengthen them in this period of grief.

“We also extend our condolences to the government and people of Kano State for the brutal murder of these compatriots.

“May the Lord Almighty forgive their shortcomings and grant them the highest peak of the holy paradise.”