Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 16 travellers from Northern Nigeria in Edo State. She described the incident as a “devastating act” that demands urgent condemnation and action from the authorities.
In her statement, Senator Natasha emphasized that the killing of the 16 hunters was not only inhumane but also a severe violation of justice and the rule of law. She urged security agencies to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that the perpetrators face justice.
She further criticized the actions of local vigilantes, who reportedly mistook the hunters’ Dane guns as a threat, stating that it was unacceptable for individuals to take the law into their own hands rather than alerting the proper authorities.
Senator Natasha called on the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive measures to bring those responsible to justice while also ensuring that such tragic events do not recur. Although the arrest of five suspects has been made, she stressed that more needs to be done to address the root causes of such violence and prevent further reprisals.
To avert similar occurrences in the future, the senator suggested that authorities prioritize enhancing law enforcement efforts, improving intelligence sharing among security agencies, and increasing public awareness about the dangers of mob violence. She also recommended that hunters should register their Dane guns with the police when obtaining hunting licenses and carry their permits whenever traveling with their weapons to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
Senator Natasha’s appeal underscores the need for justice and proactive measures to prevent further loss of innocent lives due to misinterpretations and lawlessness.
