A tragic incident in Edo State, Nigeria, has resulted in the deaths of at least 16 Hausa hunters after they were attacked and burned by a mob over a false kidnapping accusation.
The violent attack occurred on Thursday in Udune Efandion community, Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the victims, mostly hunters, were traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Sallah celebrations when they were stopped around 1:30 p.m. by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes.
The hunters were reportedly armed with traditional Dane guns, commonly used in northern Nigeria. However, their weapons were misinterpreted as a threat, leading to a false alarm instead of involving proper security authorities.
The situation quickly escalated as an enraged mob set their truck on fire, trapping some victims inside. Others were allegedly carried on wheelbarrows and thrown into the flames.
Security forces arrived after a distress call but were only able to rescue four survivors, who were immediately taken to His Grace Hospital in Uromi for treatment.
Authorities have since arrested five suspects in connection with the attack as investigations continue.
