The House of Representatives has urged security services to hold those responsible for the tragic deaths of travelers in Uromi, Edo State, accountable.
Sixteen northern travelers were attacked and killed in Uromi on Friday when an angry crowd set fire to the car they were riding in.
In a statement released on Saturday by its spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, the House responded to the tragic event by calling the murder a serious breach of both the rule of law and human rights.
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.”
“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,” the statement added, quoting Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas as calling the killings “Barbaric, cowardly, and unacceptable.”
“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 urged Nigerians to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could heighten tensions. In order to stop such sad events from happening again, he emphasized the necessity of security authorities, community leaders, and individuals working together.
He then 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 also enjoined all Nigerians to “Reject the dangerous practice of taking the law into their own hands, as it undermines democracy and social cohesion.”
The House expressed its deepest sympathies to the victims’ families and reaffirmed its dedication to defending the rule of law, guaranteeing justice for all, and promoting laws that protect the lives and dignity of all Nigerians.
“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.
