The National Association of Nigerian Students has strongly criticized the recent killing of travellers in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, urginauthorities to ensure justice is served.
In a statement issued by its National President, Oladoja Olushola, NANS described the incident as a gross violation of human rights and an unlawful act that must not go unpunished.
“This attack is heartbreaking and unacceptable. The right to life must be respected, and no group should take the law into its own hands,” Olushola said.
The victims, who were travelling in a truck and claimed to be hunters, were found with 19 locally made firearms. However, local vigilantes suspected them of being kidnappers and launched a deadly attack against them.
The student body condemned the actions of the vigilante group, emphasizing that informal security outfits should not resort to extrajudicial measures.
“It is the duty of security agencies to investigate and apprehend suspects, not for vigilante groups to act as judge and executioner,” Olushola stated.
NANS commended the Edo State Government for responding swiftly to the tragedy, including visiting the affected community and initiating peace talks to prevent further violence.
“This proactive approach is commendable and necessary to restore peace in the region,” the statement added.
The association also urged the Federal Government and security agencies to prosecute those responsible and prevent future occurrences of such attacks.
“Violence never yields positive outcomes. All stakeholders must unite to ensure justice is served and such tragedies do not repeat themselves,” Olushola concluded.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects in connection with the killing of 16 travellers.
