The 16 victims of a mob attack in Edo State have been laid to rest in a solemn ceremony on Saturday.
Reports indicate that three other victims were buried a day earlier, bringing the total number of burials to 19.
According to security analyst, Zagazola Makama, the mass burial took place in the Udune Efandion community, Uromi.
“Grief-stricken families stood in silence, their faces etched with pain, as 16 coffins were lowered into the earth. The cries of mourners filled the afternoon sky, echoing through the village as a chilling reminder of the horrors that had unfolded just days before,” he posted.
Recall that the victims, who were hunters traveling from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid celebrations, were ambushed on March 27 by a vigilante group and armed youths.
According to reports, their vehicle was stopped on the highway, and they were forcibly removed. The travelers were then severely beaten, bound with used tyres, doused in petrol, and set on fire.
Disturbing videos circulating online depicted the victims pleading for their lives while onlookers cheered.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from Nigerians, including political leaders, who have demanded justice for the slain travelers.
President Bola Tinubu, through his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, expressed condolences and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice.
“President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the affected victims and assured them that criminals would not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians,” the statement read in part, emphasizing that jungle justice has no place in the country.
