The brutal killing of 16 hunters from Kano State in Uromi, Edo State, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jigawa State chapter, has strongly denounced the killings as a crime against humanity, emphasizing the sanctity of human life and urging the government to bring the perpetrators to justice. Similarly, political figures and community leaders have voiced their outrage and demanded swift action to address this heinous act.

In a show of solidarity, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf visited Torankawa village in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, the home of the slain hunters, to express their condolences and offer reassurance to the grieving families. The atmosphere in Torankawa was charged with emotion, as hundreds of hunters from neighboring villages gathered, heightening the sense of mourning and loss.

Governor Okpebholo pledged that justice would be served and compensation would be provided to the victims' families. He announced that 14 suspects had been arrested and were being transferred to Abuja for further investigation, underscoring his administration's commitment to maintaining harmony between the Hausa community in Edo State and their hosts. He conveyed President Bola Tinubu's deep concern over the incident and his directive to security agencies to spare no effort in apprehending the culprits.

Governor Yusuf echoed these sentiments, assuring the villagers that the state government would take immediate steps to ensure justice. He called for the public parade and prosecution of the killers, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency. He also warned against reprisal attacks, stressing that Nigeria belongs to all its citizens and urging leaders to work together to prevent future incidents.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, added his voice to the chorus of condemnation, emphasizing that the killers must be brought to book to deter others from committing similar acts. He acknowledged the long-standing peaceful coexistence between people from different parts of the country in Edo State and expressed confidence that such a barbaric act would not happen again under Governor Okpebholo's leadership.

Meanwhile, a northern group, Arewa Think Tank, cautioned against inciting the North against the South over the incident. The group commended President Tinubu for ordering a crackdown on the killers and urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders to ensure the country's speedy development.

The families of the victims, along with youths and women in Torankawa village, have been vocal in their demands for justice, carrying placards with messages such as "Hunters are not criminals" and "Justice for our traveling hunters." The collective grief and anger underscore the urgent need for a thorough and impartial investigation to bring those responsible for this senseless act of violence to justice and to ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future.