The Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has condemned in strong terms the killing of hunters while on transit in Edo State.

The condemnation is contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig -Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the incident could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities were notified and involved in ascertaining the identities of the victims.

The CDS condoled with President Bola Tinubu, and the families of those who lost their lives

He also urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands but always revert to constituted authorities in matters bordering on security.

According to him, the police, military, and other security agencies are well trained to handle such matters.

The defence chief assured Nigerians that the military would work closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the act to book.

He advised that hunters and vigilance groups should register with the police, SSS, military and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of firearms.

He also called on vigilance groups to always revert to police for appropriate action.

He also called for calm and sought for citizens’ support to the AFN and other security agencies to continue to perform their constitutional duties with diligence.

The police in Edo State confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects in connection with the Thursday attack on a travelling party of  hunters  at Udune Efandion,an Uromi  community in the Esan North Local Government of the  state.

Sixteen of the hunters said to be from the North on a hunting expedition to Rivers State were allegedly killed by members of a vigilance group during the attack.

The vigilance members claimed they suspected the victims to be kidnappers on account of dane guns allegedly found in their possession.

 (NAN)