The Nasarawa State chapter of the Labour Party has strongly condemned the killing of 16 Northern travelers in Uromi, Edo State, urging security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure swift justice for the victims.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Lafia to mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the party’s state chairman, Alexander Ombugu, described the incident as “barbaric and senseless,” calling on the federal and Edo State governments to take decisive action against mob violence.
According to Ombugu, the victims, primarily Hausa hunters, were traveling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Kano State for the Sallah festivities when they were attacked over alleged kidnapping suspicions.
“It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of this tragic incident. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. I urge security agencies to conduct a transparent and expeditious investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served,” the statement read in part.
The LP chairman also appealed to Northern leaders and Nigerians at large to remain calm and resist any calls for retaliation, emphasizing the need for dialogue, reconciliation, and peace-building to prevent ethnic tensions.
In his Eid-el-Fitr message, Ombugu called on Muslim faithful to pray for the souls of those killed in Uromi and others who have lost their lives to similar violence. He also urged residents of Nasarawa State to uphold peace and harmony to foster democratic progress.
“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, I encourage all Muslims to embrace the spiritual lessons of Ramadan—love, peace, and justice—and incorporate them into their daily lives to make Nigeria a better place. Additionally, I call on everyone to pray for our leaders at all levels of government so they can steer the country in the right direction,” he added.
