By Luminous Jannamike
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the brutal killing of sixteen hunters by a mob in Uromi, Edo State.
The men, who were travelling from Port Harcourt to Kano to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, were mistaken for kidnappers due to their traditional hunting tools. Denied due process, they were beaten and burned alive in a horrific act of extrajudicial violence.
CAN demanded a thorough government investigation and justice for the perpetrators, describing the incident as a grave human rights violation amid Nigeria’s escalating security crisis.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed profound sympathy to the victims’ families and emphasised the urgent need for effective law enforcement to rebuild trust in the legal system.
The Christian body also extended warm felicitations to Muslims, marking the end of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, while urging decisive action against lawlessness.
The statement reads: “On behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Muslim brothers and sisters on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr. This festival marks the end of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. As Christians, we deeply resonate with these practices, sharing with our Muslim neighbours the values of prayer, fasting, charity, and community.
“However, as we acknowledge this occasion, we cannot ignore the pressing challenges confronting our nation. Security threats, such as rampant kidnappings and violence, cast a shadow over our communities.
Economic difficulties, including soaring inflation and widespread unemployment, place immense burdens on countless families. Social unrest, fuelled by these and other grievances, continues to test our resilience. It is within this troubled context that we must address a recent and devastating incident.
“A few days ago, sixteen hunters travelling from Port Harcourt to Kano to mark Eid-el-Fitr were brutally murdered by a mob in Uromi, Edo State. Mistaken for kidnappers due to the traditional hunting tools they carried, these innocent men suffered a horrific fate—beaten and burned alive in an act of mob violence, denied any chance of due process. This extrajudicial killing is a grievous violation of human rights and a chilling reminder of the dangers of lawlessness.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of these hunters, who now mourn the loss of their loved ones taken in such a senseless and brutal manner. These tragedies inflict profound pain and could erode trust in our legal system, highlighting the urgent need for effective law enforcement and the upholding of the rule of law. The government must act decisively to address these failures and ensure justice is served.
Specifically, we call on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of the sixteen hunters and to ensure the perpetrators face justice.
“In the face of such challenges, we must not succumb to despair. Instead, let this moment spur us to unite for peace and security. I urge all Nigerians to practice charity, support those in need, and stand together against violence and division. Leaders at all levels must also promote understanding and reject mob actions. CAN reaffirms its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with Muslim leaders, fostering interfaith initiatives to build a stronger nation. As we extend our goodwill on Eid-el-Fitr, let us embrace compassion, forgiveness, and mutual respect—values that can lead us towards a Nigeria where every life is cherished and protected.”
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