The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned the brutal killing of at least 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, and is calling for an immediate, transparent, and thorough investigation into the incident.

According to a statement signed by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the victims were hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid celebration when their vehicle was intercepted by a vigilante group and armed youths. They were subjected to mob violence, beaten, tied to used tires soaked in petrol, and set ablaze. Viral videos of the incident show the victims pleading for mercy while being attacked with axes, iron rods, and machetes, as onlookers cheered without intervening.

CISLAC described the killings as a horrifying act of mob violence that highlights the growing threat of vigilante justice and the increasing disregard for human life in Nigeria. The organization demanded that Nigerian authorities ensure the perpetrators, including any police officers who may have failed in their duty, are held accountable under the law.

Citing international human rights standards, CISLAC emphasized the Nigerian government’s obligation to protect citizens, uphold their right to life, and prevent acts of torture and ill-treatment. It warned that failure to address such incidents effectively could embolden more vigilante groups and further entrench a culture of impunity.

The advocacy group urged President Bola Tinubu and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to take immediate action by condemning the attack and demonstrating a commitment to justice. It stressed that beyond verbal condemnations, the government must ensure that the suspects are prosecuted through a fair legal process.

CISLAC also noted that the Uromi incident reflects a broader trend of vigilante violence across the country, particularly in communities struggling with insecurity. It blamed the persistence of mob violence on the government’s failure to enforce the rule of law and punish offenders.

The statement concluded with a call for the Nigerian government to take decisive steps in preventing further acts of mob violence. CISLAC urged authorities to equip the police for effective response, provide victims with access to justice, and implement both punitive and preventive measures to curb rising impunity and protect human life.