The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has described the killing of 16 hunters from the Northern part of the country in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi Local council of Edo State as one of the worst cowardly acts seen in decades.

Speaker Abbas in a statement on Saturday further described the incident as barbaric, cowardly, and unacceptable.

The Speaker called on the security agencies to initiate an immediate and thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.

He added that the security agencies must swing into action immediately as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is one madness too many. We must not allow such a horrific act to go unpunished.

He emphasized that such brutal acts are incomprehensible in a society that upholds the sanctity of human life, a value deeply rooted in both Islamic and Christian teachings.

He said at a time when adherents of both religions observe Ramadan and Lent — periods dedicated to reflection, compassion, and mutual duty — the lives of our fellow citizens must be protected and respected above all.

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He stated that It is deeply disturbing that fellow citizens can be subjected to such heinous violence, especially when both Islam and Christianity traditions emphasis the need to honor the sanctity of every human life.

By invoking the moral imperatives common to Islam and Christianity, the Speaker noted that all Nigerians, regardless of their religious affiliation, are bound by a shared duty to care for one another adding Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe or creed, should be able to move freely anywhere within the country without let or hindrance.

While investigations are underway, Speaker Abbas urged calm and restraint.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirms the government’s commitment to upholding justice, the rule of law, and the fundamental human values celebrated during Ramadan and Lent.

According to reports, the hunters — traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for Sallah celebrations — were falsely accused of kidnapping by local elements.

In a shocking act of mob violence captured on video and widely circulated, the attackers set the 16 men ablaze in broad daylight.