Edo: Killing hunters attempt to sow hate, division in Nigeria – Obidient Movement

The Obidient Movement have condemned the gruesome killing of some Northern hunters in Edo State, stressing that Nigerians must not lose their humanity.

The movement described the killing of the hunters as an attempt to sow the seeds of hate, intolerance and division in Nigeria.

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 vigilantees in the area.

The hunters, who were traveling in Dangote's truck, were reportedly set ablaze in Utomi, Edo State.

Condemning their death, the movement urged Nigerians to unite against the senseless and needless violence perpetrated by a few undesirable elements.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Obidient Movement's Director Strategic Communications and Media, Nana Sani Kazaure and Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Movement.

The statement reads: “The recent gruesome killings of some traveling Northern Hunters in Edo state is not only disturbing and heartbreaking but is an act that warrants collective condemnation.

“The victims could have been fathers, brothers, sons, guardians and breadwinners returning home after months of toiling to provide for their loved ones. Their lives cut short by needless violence, only leaves behind a trail of grief and devastation in its wake.

“While we acknowledge and commend the efforts of security operatives in making some arrests and working towards justice, especially for the families of those slain, the question still remains: for how long will Nigerians have to live with such violence in our midst?

“When will we, as a collective, as a Nation decide to stop the bleeding and start the healing process? An injury to one Nigerian should naturally be an injury to every Nigerian.

“This sentiment echoes the need for empathy, unity, and a collective action against such heinous acts that are becoming a daily occurrence in our beloved country, Nigeria.

“We therefore, condemn entirely and in the strongest terms the brutal killings of any Nigerian in any part of the country.

“We in the same vein, call on all Nigerians to unite against senseless and needless violence perpetrated by a few undesirable elements in our society who are bent on sowing the seeds of hate, intolerance and division in our country.

“We must all work towards creating a society that values human life and dignity. We must, as a matter of urgency, begin to show not just the world but we must show ourselves that we value human life and dignity and that we will not stand idly by while innocent lives are lost in the hands of few bad eggs.

“We must work to tell the world that these few bad elements do not represent who we are. They clearly do not represent us.”