Uromi Killing: Kano Hunters Still Await Compensation Pledged by Edo Governor Okpebholo
Twelve months after the brutal lynching of 16 Kano hunters by local vigilantes in Uromi village, Edo State, relatives of the victims continue to cry out for support, having waited endlessly for compensation promised by the Edo State Government.
The Tragic Incident and Unfulfilled Promises
In March 2025, 29 Kano-bound hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid holiday were intercepted by local vigilantes who falsely accused them of being kidnappers. Despite their appeals, a mob attacked them, resulting in 16 being burnt to death and 13 escaping with injuries.
Following the gruesome killing, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo visited Kano with top officials, where he was received by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Both leaders visited Torankawa village in Bunkure Local Government Area under heavy security, commiserated with families, and called for calm.
During the visit, Governor Okpebholo pledged adequate compensation to ease the pain of victims' families and assured measures to prevent recurrence. However, survivors and families now lament that these promises remain unfulfilled.
Survivors and Widows Speak Out on Neglect
Ibrahim Isa, a survivor and leader of the hunters, recounted their ordeal on Friday in Bunkure, describing what he called total neglect of the victims' families who have lost their breadwinners. He expressed regret that one year after the governors' visit, neither government has fully fulfilled compensation promises.
"Life has become unbearable for me and the widows of the deceased," Isa said shortly after receiving ₦200,000 and food items donated by the Kano State Government. While appreciating this support, he urged the Edo State Government to fulfill its pledge and alleviate the families' suffering.
Similarly, 20-year-old widow Khadija Abdullahi Hamisu lamented her struggles since losing her husband in 2025. The young woman, who also lost her five-month pregnancy during the incident, revealed that apart from individual support, both state governments have yet to fulfill their promises since her husband's killing.
Government Response and Partial Support
Leading government officials to Bunkure on Friday, Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Abdullahi Ibrahim Waiya delivered ₦7.4 million in cash and food items approved by the state government. He expressed regret over the delay in fulfilling pledges made over the past 12 months but assured that Governor Yusuf remains committed to engaging his Edo State counterpart to ensure promises are honored.
According to Waiya, Governor Yusuf approved:
- ₦300,000 for each of the 16 deceased hunters' families
- ₦200,000 for each of the 13 survivors
- Additional food items for all affected families
"Last year, when the governor visited to sympathize with the families affected by the Uromi killings, certain pledges were made," Waiya said. "His Excellency showed deep concern for the victims and their families. He visited alongside the Governor of Edo State and promised to provide food items and financial support. The Edo State governor also pledged to ensure compensation for the families of the victims."
Waiya added that Governor Yusuf had assumed the pledge was fulfilled until discovering last week it had not been redeemed, prompting immediate intervention through the financial support provided.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in inter-state cooperation and compensation for victims of communal violence, with affected families still awaiting full implementation of promises made during the condolence visit.
