The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN) has condemned the lynching of 16 northern travelers in Uromi, Edo State, describing the incident as barbaric and horrific.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by CSSLN Chairman and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, the speakers decried the mob violence as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to peace and security.
“The CSSLN strongly condemns the horrific lynching of 16 northern travelers who were on transit and accused of possessing dane guns (local firearms),” Ogundoyin stated.
“These individuals were tragically killed by a mob in Uromi, Edo State, on Friday, March 28, 2025. The actions of the so-called vigilante group members responsible are barbaric and unjustifiable.”
The speakers stressed that such extrajudicial killings undermine the rule of law and erode societal values.
While commending the Edo State government and security agencies for their swift response, they urged authorities to intensify efforts to ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
The CSSLN also called for stricter oversight of community policing structures established by state governments to prevent abuses.
“It is essential to ensure that these local security operatives function with professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law. Effective oversight will safeguard the integrity of these initiatives and prevent them from becoming instruments of injustice,” the statement read.
The speakers extended their condolences to the families of the victims, expressing solidarity in their time of grief.
