The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has strongly condemned the recent killing of hunters in transit through Edo State, describing the incident as unfortunate and avoidable.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, General Musa expressed his condolences to President Bola Tinubu and the families of the deceased.
He emphasized that such tragic events could be prevented if the appropriate authorities were informed and involved in verifying the identities of individuals before any action is taken. He urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead to rely on constituted security agencies for matters concerning public safety.
Reassuring Nigerians of justice, the Defence Chief stated that the military would collaborate closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
He further stressed the need for all local hunters and vigilante groups to register with the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military, or any other legally mandated regulatory agencies overseeing firearm possession. He urged vigilante groups to defer to the police in handling security concerns to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Calling for calm, General Musa appealed for public support towards the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security agencies as they continue to execute their constitutional duties with diligence.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects linked to the incident, which occurred on Thursday in Udune Efandion, a community in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state.
Reports indicate that 16 hunters, reportedly from northern Nigeria and traveling for a hunting expedition to Rivers State, were killed by members of a local vigilante group. The vigilantes allegedly suspected the victims of being kidnappers due to the presence of dane guns in their possession.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa
The tragic event has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for a thorough investigation and swift prosecution of those involved.
