Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has demanded justice and compensation for the families of hunters from Kano who were killed in Edo State under circumstances that remain contentious. The call has reignited conversations about inter-state security cooperation, the role of vigilante groups, and the responsibility of governments to protect citizens, regardless of their location.
Reports indicate that a group of hunters from Kano, traditionally engaged in local security and wildlife tracking, traveled to Edo State under unclear circumstances. While initial accounts suggest they were on a mission to assist with security operations, others claim they were mistaken for criminals by local security forces or vigilantes. The details surrounding their deaths remain murky, prompting demands for a thorough investigation.
Eyewitnesses recount a chaotic confrontation that led to the hunters’ deaths, though officials in Edo have yet to release a comprehensive statement clarifying the nature of the incident. Families of the victims are calling for accountability, as are community leaders in Kano, who insist that their people were wrongfully targeted.
Speaking on the matter, Governor Yusuf expressed deep concern over the killings, stating that his administration will not rest until justice is served. “These men were sons, husbands, and fathers who had no business dying under such circumstances. We are demanding a full-scale investigation and appropriate compensation for their families,” the governor declared during a press briefing in Kano.
He also called on Edo State authorities to work closely with the Kano State government in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. “We need a coordinated effort to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. No Nigerian should lose their life in another state without clear accountability,” he added.
The Edo State Government has so far maintained a cautious stance, promising to investigate the incident while urging calm. A statement from the Edo State Police Command acknowledged the incident and assured the public that a fact-finding mission was underway.
Security analysts note that tensions between vigilante groups and traveling security operatives have escalated in recent years due to the overlapping roles of state-backed security outfits, traditional hunters, and local law enforcement. With rising insecurity across Nigeria, misunderstandings and jurisdictional disputes have led to tragic consequences in multiple states.
This incident underscores the broader issue of informal security structures in Nigeria and their place within the country’s law enforcement framework. While vigilante groups and hunters often supplement security operations in rural areas, the lack of clear regulations governing their activities has led to friction between different security actors.
“The government must create a unified framework for coordinating local security groups to prevent unnecessary conflicts. If these groups are to continue operating, there must be standard rules of engagement,” said Dr. Ahmed Sule, a security expert based in Abuja.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the truth is uncovered and that justice is served for the slain hunters. The Kano State Government is expected to engage in further diplomatic discussions with Edo authorities, while legal representatives of the victims’ families explore avenues for redress.
Meanwhile, communities in both states are closely watching how this situation unfolds, hoping that this tragedy leads to better security coordination rather than further division. For now, the families of the slain hunters continue to mourn, waiting for answers and the justice they have been promised.
