The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has strongly condemned the tragic killing of hunters while in transit in Edo State.
The incident, which took place on March 28, 2025, has been described as avoidable had the relevant authorities been properly involved in verifying the identities of the victims.
In a statement issued by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, General Musa extended his condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as to the families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate event.
The CDS urged Nigerians to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing the need to rely on constituted authorities in security-related matters. He reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police, military, and other security agencies are well-trained to handle such issues professionally.
To ensure justice, General Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) would collaborate closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He also issued a strong warning to all local hunters and vigilante groups, urging them to register with the police, Department of State Services (DSS), AFN, and other legally mandated agencies responsible for firearm regulation.
Furthermore, the CDS called on vigilante groups to always defer to the police for appropriate action. He appealed for calm among the public and solicited their continued support for the AFN and other security agencies as they carry out their constitutional duties with diligence and professionalism.
The Nigerian security forces remain committed to maintaining peace and ensuring that those responsible for the attack face the full weight of the law.
LV