The Nigerian Senate says it is yet to get over the mob killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, calling for the immediate prosecution of those responsible.
The victims, reportedly of northern Nigerian origin and mostly from Kano State, were attacked and set ablaze by suspected local vigilantes.
During plenary, the Senate urged Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to expedite investigation into the incident and ensure justice is served.
The motion was raised by Senator Suleiman Kawu, who described the killings as a gross violation of the victims’ constitutional right to life and a disturbing sign of lawlessness and misuse of self-styled security groups.
Senator Barau Jibrin criticized the vigilantes for not handing over the travellers to the police for proper identification.
Senator Rufai Hanga commended the leaders of Kano State for their calming influence and stated that without their intervention, the incident could have escalated into a major ethnic crisis.
The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims and resolved to support all efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide adequate compensation to the bereaved families.
The Senate further called for the drafting of a bill to regulate the activities of vigilantes and hunters across Nigeria.
The lawmakers stressed the need to bring such groups under formal oversight to prevent further abuses and ensure accountability.
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The proposed legislation aims to establish a framework for identifying and monitoring these groups, especially during interstate operations.
The Senators argued that clear legal guidelines will prevent arbitrary actions and reduce the risk of mistaken identity or mob violence.
The Senate added an additional prayer urging the drafting of the bill as a preventive measure against future tragedies.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate called for prompt and adequate compensation of the families of the 16 murdered travellers.
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
