Hunters Demand Justice Over Killing of 16 Colleagues in Uromi

From Paul Orude Bauchi

A group of hunters led by Alhaji Abashe Garba, the Sarkin Bakan Hausawan Africa, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure justice over the recent brutal killing of their colleagues in Uromi, Edo State.

Garba urged the Edo State, the federal governments as well as security agencies to ensure that all the killers of the 16, were apprehended and punished accordingly.

Speaking to journalists in Bauchi on Monday, Garba strongly condemned the killings.

Garba stressed that the recent incident was not the first time Northerners had faced similar attacks in the southern region of the country. 

He emphasised the urgent need for justice in the country in order to promote peace and national unity.

It will be recalled that the 16 hunters were among people returning from Rivers State en route to Kano when they were intercepted and brutally killed in a mob attack by a vigilante group in Udune Efandion, a community in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, weeks ago.

Garba extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Hausa leadership across Africa under Alhaji Abdulkadir Dahiru Koguna. 

He offered prayers for the deceased, hoping that justice would soon prevail and serve as a deterrent to future violence.

“We want the government to take immediate action to ensure that all those involved in the killings are apprehended and punished according to the law,” he said.

Addressing concerns over local guns reportedly found with the victims, Garba explained that hunters had long been associated with the use of guns, and that their operations are lawful and well-structured.

“We operate as an organised group,” he said.

“Carrying guns is not illegal for our members, as these are tools used in hunting. 

“All our members carry official identification cards and should be verified through proper channels when stopped.

“It’s impossible to hunt with bare hands. Since ancient times, hunters have used weapons from bows and arrows to firearms. Wild animals cannot be caught like domestic ones; they require shooting, and we use guns for that purpose.”

Garba also highlighted the critical role hunters play in promoting peace and security nationwide.

“For example, in Bauchi State alone. Just two years ago in Ningi, particularly in the Ganji area, we confronted kidnappers in several battles. I lost eight of my men, but we succeeded in overcoming the threat,” he said

“Similarly, in Magama Gumau, the area faced recurring kidnappings less than two years ago. I was called upon, and I deployed my team to tackle the problem. The community is now peaceful”

He urged the federal and state governments, as well as supporters, to continue assisting the hunters in order to enhance their morale and strengthen their contributions to national security.