Peter Obi, former Anambra governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, has condemned the killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State while President Bola Tinubu has charged security agencies to arrest and prosecute perpetrators.

Mr Obi and Mr Tinubu in different statements condemned Uromi killing on Friday as a video of a mob killing the travellers went viral on social media.

“The news of the killings of Northern travellers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, is deeply saddening. Such killings have become a recurring tragedy in our decaying society. Acts of violence like these are abhorrent and had no place in our society yesterday, just as they should have no place in any decent society today. Every Nigerian, regardless of ethnic or regional background, has the right to move freely and safely within our nation,” Mr Obi said.

He added, “the authorities should also address the killings of Edo indigenes to ensure that justice is served for all.”

Meanwhile, Mr Tinubu has charged security agencies to go after those behind the killings of 16 travellers in Uromi.

“The President, who expressed shock at the dastardly act on Thursday, directed Police and other security agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigations and punish the suspected culprits,” a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said.

“President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the affected victims and assured them that criminals would not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians.”

Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, had also condemned the killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, charging president Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo to ensure those behind the killings are brought to book.