The Muslim Congress is deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal murder of 16 northern travelers in Uromi, Edo State, on Friday, March 28, 2025. This senseless act of violence, fueled by baseless accusations and mob hysteria, is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the urgent need for unity and justice in our nation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, who have been robbed of their loved ones in the most horrific manner. We stand in solemn solidarity with them during this time of immense grief and pain, and we call for immediate justice to avert further breakdown of social order.
This tragedy in Uromi is not merely a local tragedy but a national crisis that exposes the dangers of mob justice, ethnic profiling, and the unchecked proliferation of vigilante actions. Every Nigerian citizen is entitled to the fundamental rights of safety, dignity, and fair treatment under the law. The extrajudicial killing of individuals, based solely on suspicion, is an affront to justice and a threat to the fabric of our nation. Mob killing is vile and absolutely condemnable. Even in cases where suspicions arise, the only lawful recourse is to surrender suspects to the proper authorities, not to subject them to brutal mob violence.
We commend the swift response by the Edo State Governor, Mr Monday Okpebholo, for the decisive suspension of the Commander of the Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police. We also applaud his thoughtful solidarity visit to his Kano State counterpart, demonstrating exemplary leadership at this critical moment, fostering the much-needed inter-communal dialogue and national unity. Such statesmanship is vital for healing and reconciliation. Also, the arrest of 14 suspects by the Edo State Police Command is a step in the right direction. However, these actions must mark only the beginning of a comprehensive process to deliver full justice and prevent future occurrences.
The Muslim Congress (TMC) demands an urgent, thorough, and impartial investigation into this heinous crime to ensure that all perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice and that such acts of barbarity are never repeated. We further call on state and federal authorities to implement stricter oversight of vigilante groups nationwide, ensuring their operations align with legal frameworks and are conducted under the supervision of law enforcement agencies. Any group found operating outside these bounds must face immediate sanctions to prevent further abuses.
At this critical moment, we urge all affected communities to exercise restraint and resist the impulse toward retaliation. Violence only deepens wounds and perpetuates cycles of conflict. Instead, we must place our trust in the legal system and allow due process to deliver accountability. TMC reiterates its commitment to fostering national unity, peace, and justice, and we call upon leaders, civil society, and citizens alike to reject the dangerous rhetoric of hate and division and work collectively toward a society where justice prevails over vengeance.
This tragedy must serve as a turning point, a moment for Nigeria to reaffirm its commitment to the sanctity of life, the rule of law, and the protection of every citizen, regardless of ethnicity or creed. We honour the memory of the victims by demanding justice and ensuring such horrors are never repeated.
Alhaji AbdulWasi’I Taiwo Bangbala,
Amir, The Muslim Congress