The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has expressed regret over the killing of innocent Northern hunters who were returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir Sallah festival with their families in Uromi, Edo State.
A statement issued by Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, Spokesperson of the forum in Abuja condemned the act describing it as unacceptable.
“The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end. The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people, Jiddere said.
The forum however urged the federal and Edo State governments to ensure swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths.
Other demands include the arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers, public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.
Also, due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths, unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behavior never occurs again.
The forum also demanded that the punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any such future acts of violence.
The NEF urged the Edo State Government and the Federal Government to take concrete and visible steps to fulfill these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this release. Failure to do so will compel the North to take all necessary actions to seek justice for her people and the North.
“The Federal Government must ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families to preserve peace, stability, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians,the statement reads.
The NEF advised the families of the victims and the good people of Northern Nigeria to remain calm and patient as we pursue this matter responsibly with the necessary agencies and authorities of the government.
