NANS Condemns Edo Vigilante Killing of 16 Travellers, Calls for Justice

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has denounced the recent killing of 16 travellers by a local vigilante group in Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo State, describing it as a grave violation of human rights.

In a statement issued by its National President, Oladoja Olushola, NANS expressed deep concern over the extrajudicial killings, calling them “disheartening, unjustifiable, and a breach of the fundamental right to life.”

The victims, who were travelling in a truck on Thursday and claimed to be hunters, were found in possession of 19 locally made firearms. However, vigilante members, doubting their identity, accused them of being kidnappers and took matters into their own hands, leading to their brutal execution.

NANS strongly criticized the vigilantes’ actions, stressing that law enforcement should be left to formal security agencies. The association called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those involved.

“The role of vigilante groups should be to assist security agencies, not to carry out extrajudicial killings,” Olushola stated. “This reckless act undermines the efforts of law enforcement in tackling crime.”

The students’ body commended the Edo State Government for its swift response, including visits to the affected community and efforts to prevent further violence.

NANS also urged the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure justice is served while advising students and youths in the area to remain peaceful.

“Violence will not solve this crisis. All stakeholders must work together to bring those responsible to justice and prevent such incidents in the future,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects in connection with the killings.