Uromi Killing: Kano Hunters Await Compensation from Edo Governor Okpebholo
Twelve months after the brutal lynching of 16 Kano hunters by vigilantes in Uromi community, Edo State, relatives of the victims are crying out for compensation promised by the Edo State government. The incident, which occurred in March 2025, has left families in distress as they await fulfillment of pledges made by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The Tragic Incident and Aftermath
The 29 Kano-bound hunters were traveling from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid holiday when they were intercepted by vigilantes who falsely accused them of being kidnappers. Despite their appeals, a mob attacked them, resulting in 16 being burnt to death while 13 narrowly escaped with injuries. In response, Governor Okpebholo led top officials to Kano on a condolence visit, where he pledged adequate compensation to ease the pain of the victims' families.
During the visit, Okpebholo was received by his Kano counterpart, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and both leaders visited Torankawa village, a Fulani settlement in Bunkure Local Council, under heavy security. They commiserated with the families and called for calm, with Okpebholo promising measures to prevent a recurrence.
Survivors and Families Lament Neglect
At a recent gathering in Bunkure, survivors and family members expressed frustration over the delay in compensation. Ibrahim Isa, a survivor and leader of the hunters, lamented the total neglect of the victims' families, who have lost their breadwinners. He noted that one year after the governors' visit, neither government has fully fulfilled its promises, making life unbearable for him and the widows of the deceased.
Isa spoke shortly after receiving N200,000 and food items from the Kano State government, but he urged the Edo State government to fulfill its pledge to alleviate suffering. Similarly, Khadija Abdullahi Hamisu, a 20-year-old widow, shared her struggles since losing her husband. She also lost her five-month pregnancy during the incident and revealed that apart from individual support, both state governments are yet to fulfill their promises.
Government Responses and Ongoing Efforts
Leading government officials to Bunkure, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Abdullahi Ibrahim Waiya, delivered N7.4 million in cash and food items. 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 counterpart to ensure the promise is honored.
According to Waiya, Governor Yusuf approved N300,000 for each of the 16 deceased hunters' families and N200,000 for each of the 13 survivors, in addition to food items. This move highlights ongoing efforts to provide relief, but families continue to call for the Edo State government to act on its commitments.
The situation underscores the need for timely intervention to support victims of communal violence and uphold government promises in the aftermath of such tragedies.
