ABUJA – Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of a group of northern Nigerian hunters in Edo State, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident, which occurred on March 28, 2025, has sparked outrage and raised concerns about ethnic tensions in the country.
According to reports, the hunters, who were traveling from Rivers State to their home region in the north for the Eid-el-Fitr holiday, were attacked and killed while in transit through Edo State. General Musa stated the incident could have been avoided if local authorities had properly verified the travelers’ identities.
“The Nigeria Police, military, and other security agencies are well-trained to handle such cases,” General Musa said in a statement released by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau. He urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands. The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) will collaborate with the police to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the killings.
The incident has also prompted calls for stricter regulation of local vigilante groups. General Musa issued a warning that all local hunters and vigilante groups must register with security agencies, including the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Armed Forces, to ensure proper oversight of firearms possession.
Reports indicate that at least 19 of the victims have been buried in Edo State. Witnesses claim the hunters were intercepted by a vigilante group and armed youths, forcibly removed from their vehicle, beaten, and burned alive. Graphic videos of the killings have circulated on social media, further fueling public anger.
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The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political figures and civil society groups across Nigeria, who are demanding swift justice. Security agencies have reportedly intensified efforts to track down those responsible.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in maintaining security and managing ethnic and regional tensions. The government’s response to this crisis will be closely watched as it seeks to reassure the public and prevent future outbreaks of violence.
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