The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has condemned the alleged extra-judicial killing of northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State, describing the incident as barbaric and unacceptable.
The victims were reportedly returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan, when they were attacked.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, the NEF expressed deep shock and sadness, emphasizing that the north has endured similar attacks in the past and will no longer tolerate such incidents.
The forum issued a set of demands to both the Edo State and rederal government.
The set of demands, as listed in the statement, includes swift recovery and dignified burial of the victims according to their religious customs. immediate arrest and public prosecution of those responsible, with full transparency and accountability.
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Others are compensation for the victims’ families in line with their religious standards, and an unreserved apology from the Edo State Government and a commitment to preventing future occurrences.
The NEF has given a 14-day deadline for these demands to be met, warning that failure to act could prompt the north to take necessary measures to seek justice.
The group also urged the federal government to intervene to ensure justice for the victims and maintain national unity.
Meanwhile, it called on the victims’ families and the northern community to remain calm, assuring that the matter would be pursued responsibly with the relevant authorities.
