Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 16 travelers in Edo State, describing the incident as “barbaric, cowardly, and unacceptable.” The victims, who were hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for Sallah celebrations, were falsely accused of kidnapping by local elements and set ablaze in broad daylight.
Speaker Abbas has called on the security agencies to initiate an immediate and thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible. He emphasized that such brutal acts are incomprehensible in a society that upholds the sanctity of human life, a value deeply rooted in both Islamic and Christian teachings.
The Speaker noted that all Nigerians, regardless of their religious affiliation, are bound by a shared duty to care for one another. “Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe or creed, should be able to move freely anywhere within the country without let or hindrance,” he said. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding justice, the rule of law, and the fundamental human values celebrated during Ramadan and Lent.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for swift justice and an end to such senseless violence. The Edo State House of Assembly has also been active in passing bills and resolutions aimed at promoting peace and security in the state.
Speaker Abbas’s strong condemnation of the incident and call for urgent investigation reflects the government’s commitment to upholding justice and protecting human life. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and collective action to prevent such senseless violence in the future.
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