Global Rights Condemns Killing of 16 Hunters in Edo, Calls for Justice

By Angel Ike

Global Rights has strongly condemned the brutal lynching of sixteen hunters in Uromi, Edo State, describing the act as a tragic violation of human rights and the rule of law.

The victims were mistaken for kidnappers by local vigilantes who unlawfully took justice into their own hands on March 27, 2025. The incident has sparked outrage across the country.

In a statement, Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights, emphasised that the killings contravene Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to life and prohibits extrajudicial killings.

She criticized the targeting of individuals based on unfounded suspicions and warned against the dangers posed by unchecked vigilantism.

Baiyewu acknowledged citizens’ frustration with rising insecurity but stressed that jungle justice is never justified.

“The absence of effective law enforcement cannot excuse individuals usurping state authority to carry out extrajudicial executions,” she said.

She also warned that such incidents risk exacerbating ethnic and religious tensions, threatening national peace and security.

Global Rights called on the Nigerian government to launch a thorough investigation into the killings and prosecute those responsible.

Baiyewu urged political, traditional, and religious leaders to promote peace and unity while ensuring this tragedy is not exploited to fuel further violence or division.

She reaffirmed the call on the government’s constitutional duty to protect all Nigerians, quoting Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution: “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”

Baiyewu concluded by extending condolences to the victims’ families and calling for decisive government action to restore public confidence in law enforcement.