The House of Representatives has condemned the senseless killing of travellers in Uromi, Edo State and called on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.
16 travellers of northern extraction were on Friday attacked and killed in Uromi when the vehicle they were travelling in was set ablaze by an irate mob.
Reacting to the sad development in a statement issued by its spokesman, Akin Rotimi on Saturday, the House described the killing as a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law.
The statement read, “We acknowledge the directives of President Bola Tinubu, and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, instructing security agencies to conduct an urgent investigation. The House urges law enforcement to ensure all perpetrators are promptly identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
“The House notes the intervention of security agencies, which led to the rescue of survivors and the arrest of some suspects. However, justice must not only be swift but also thorough. Those responsible for inciting, enabling, or carrying out this heinous crime must be fully held accountable to deter future occurrences.”
The statement also quoted the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, as labelling the killings “Barbaric, cowardly, and unacceptable,” stressing that “Such acts of brutality have no place in a society that upholds the sanctity of life – a fundamental principle deeply rooted in both Islamic and Christian teachings.
“It is deeply disturbing that in our nation, fellow citizens can be subjected to such heinous violence, especially when our faith traditions teach us to honour the sanctity of every human life.”
Abbas also called for restraint, urging Nigerians to avoid acts capable of escalating tensions.
He emphasised the need for collective efforts by security agencies, community leaders, and citizens to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring again.
He further noted, “Beyond immediate justice, this tragic incident underscores the urgent need for a national conversation on mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic profiling, which threaten our collective peace and unity.”
That said, the House called on security agencies “To strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance response mechanisms, and implement proactive measures to prevent mob justice and protect all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or origin.
It also urged “Community leaders, religious institutions, and traditional rulers to actively foster mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law within their communities” and civil society and the media “to promote legal awareness, civic responsibility, and objective reporting to combat mob violence and uphold justice.”
The Speaker Abbas-led House further enjoined all Nigerians to “Reject the dangerous practice of taking the law into their own hands, as it undermines democracy and social cohesion.”
While extending its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the House reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice for all, and supporting policies that safeguard the lives and dignity of every Nigerian.
“Mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic targeting have no place in a civilised society. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with all those who seek justice and peace. As representatives of the people, we remain resolute in our duty to protect the fundamental rights of every citizen and ensure that no act of lawlessness goes unpunished,” the statement further read.