By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state following a gruesome mob attack that claimed the lives of at least 16 Hausa hunters.
The incident, which occurred in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, Edo State, on Thursday, has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. According to eyewitnesses, the victims were traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Sallah celebration when they were stopped by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes.
The presence of their Dane guns, traditionally used for hunting in Northern Nigeria, was misinterpreted as a security threat, leading to the false accusation of kidnapping. A mob, acting on the false accusation, launched a deadly attack on the travelers, killing 16 people on the spot and injuring four others.
The PDP, in a statement issued by its state chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, condemned the attack and attributed it to the state government’s alleged failure to tackle insecurity. “The crisis by far surpasses the skirmishes that took place in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency,” the party said.
The PDP also criticized the state government’s handling of the situation, accusing it of displaying a lack of competence and abandoning governance for politics. “Unfortunately, Okpebholo is only obsessed with politics, thereby abandoning governance and the welfare and security of the people, which is his primary responsibility,” the party said.
The call for a state of emergency in Edo State comes amid concerns over the rising incidence of violent crimes, including kidnapping, killings, and maiming, which have claimed over 100 lives in the past few months. The PDP has urged the president to take immediate action to prevent further loss of lives and ensure the safety and security of Edo State and its people.
