The House of Representatives has strongly condemned the killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, describing it as a violation of human rights and the rule of law.
The victims, who were of northern origin, were attacked on Friday when their vehicle was set on fire by an angry mob.
In response to the tragic incident, the House, through its spokesperson Akin Rotimi, issued a statement on Saturday calling for swift justice.
“We acknowledge the directives of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo, instructing security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation,” the statement read.
“The House urges law enforcement to ensure that all those responsible are swiftly identified, arrested, and prosecuted.”
The lawmakers commended security agencies for their efforts in rescuing survivors and apprehending some suspects but stressed the need for a comprehensive judicial process.
“Justice must not only be swift but also thorough. Those responsible for inciting, enabling, or executing this heinous act must be fully held accountable to deter future occurrences,” the statement added.
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, described the attack as “barbaric, cowardly, and unacceptable,” stressing that such acts have no place in a society that upholds the sanctity of life.
“It is deeply disturbing that fellow citizens can be subjected to such violence, especially when our religious teachings emphasize the sacredness of human life,” Abbas said.
He further called for calm and urged Nigerians to avoid any actions that could escalate tensions.
“Beyond immediate justice, this tragic incident highlights the urgent need for a national conversation on mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic profiling, which threaten our collective peace and unity,” he added.
The House also urged security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and response mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future. Community leaders, religious institutions, and traditional rulers were called upon to promote mutual understanding and respect for the rule of law.
“Mob violence, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic targeting have no place in a civilized society,” the statement emphasized.
“As representatives of the people, we remain committed to protecting the fundamental rights of every citizen and ensuring that no act of lawlessness goes unpunished.”
The House of Representatives extended condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirmed its dedication to upholding justice, peace, and national unity.
