By Silas Shentukwak
The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has strongly condemned the brutal mob killing of 16 travelers from Northern Nigeria in Udune Efandion, Uromi, Edo State.
In a press statement released on Saturday by it’ Spokesperson, Dr Ladan Salihu, the group described the attack as “heinous and barbaric,” emphasizing that it is an assault on justice, human dignity, and national unity.
According to the LND, the victims were falsely accused, profiled, and murdered in broad daylight without any form of legal investigation or trial.
Their bodies were reportedly set on fire, a move the group says reflects a dangerous rise in ethnic profiling and mob violence in parts of the country.
“It is deeply troubling that in a country governed by laws, innocent citizens can be killed in such a gruesome manner without intervention from the authorities,” the statement read. “This is not the first time such atrocities have occurred against northerners in Edo State.”
The LND acknowledged the swift response by the Federal and Edo State governments, as well as security agencies, in launching an investigation into the killings.
The group urged that all perpetrators both those directly involved and those who incited the violence must be brought to justice.
The League of Northern Democrats outlined key demands, including a transparent and impartial investigation into the killings with full involvement of security agencies and human rights organizations.
The immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved.
The implementation of stronger measures to prevent mob justice across the country and adequate compensation and support for the victims’ families, as well as medical care for survivors.
The LND also urged Northerners to remain calm and refrain from retaliatory violence, stressing that justice must be pursued through lawful channels.
“This is not just a tragedy for the North it is a tragedy for Nigeria. We must rise as a people and demand an end to the impunity that allows such cruel acts to take place. Justice for the victims is not negotiable,” the statement concluded.