Islamic Group Condemns Brutal Killing Of 16 Travelers In Edo, Demands Justice

Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), an Islamic group led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has strongly condemned the gruesome murder of 16 travelers in Edo State, describing the act as “cruel and barbaric.”

The victims, who were traveling from Rivers State to Kano, were brutally killed by a vigilante group in Udune Efandion, an Uromi community in Esan North Local Government Area.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, the Secretary-General of JNI, Prof. Khalid Aliyu, expressed deep outrage and sorrow over the senseless killings, urging the Federal Government to move beyond mere condemnations and take decisive action against the rising insecurity in the country.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the cruel and barbaric killings of these innocent victims. This act is not only unacceptable but also a stain on our collective humanity,” Aliyu stated.

The JNI demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident, emphasizing that criminals should be treated as such, regardless of their ethnicity or religion.

“A criminal should be treated as a criminal, no matter their background. The government and security agencies must conduct a thorough investigation, ensure the perpetrators face justice, and take concrete steps to protect travelers on Nigerian highways,” the statement read.

The group also cautioned against the dangerous trend of stereotyping criminals based on ethnicity or religion, warning that such generalizations fuel division and hate speech.

Beyond this particular incident, JNI urged the government to take decisive measures to curb the country’s worsening insecurity, stressing that citizens deserve protection.

“Hate speech and divisive narratives contribute significantly to the growing insecurity. We must all work together to promote tolerance, understanding, and peaceful coexistence,” Aliyu added.

Despite the rising tension, JNI called on Nigerians to remain calm and peaceful while urging the authorities to fulfill their responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.

“We urge all Nigerians to stay united, despite the challenges we are facing. Our country can only progress when peace and security are assured for all,” the statement concluded.