The House of Representatives has condemned the mob killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government of Edo.

In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, said that such an act was a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law.

He said the House acknowledged the directives of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo, instructing security agencies to conduct an urgent investigation into the extrajudicial killings.

Mr Rotimi urged law enforcement agencies to ensure all perpetrators were promptly identified, arrested and prosecuted.

The spokesman commended security agencies for their swift and timely intervention, which led to the rescue of survivors and the arrest of some suspects.

He said the speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, strongly condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric, cowardly and unacceptable.”

Mr Rotimi quoted the speaker as saying that such acts of brutality had no place in a society that upheld the sanctity of life – a fundamental principle deeply rooted in both Islamic and Christian teachings.

Mr Abbas also called for calm and urged Nigerians to refrain from acts that could escalate tensions.

He emphasised the need for collective efforts by security agencies, community leaders and citizens to prevent further occurrences of such tragic incidents.

Mr Abbas said that beyond immediate justice, the tragic incident underscored the urgent need for a national conversation on mob violence, extrajudicial killings and ethnic profiling, which threatened the nation’s collective peace and unity.

The speaker called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance response mechanisms and implement proactive measures to prevent mob justice and protect all citizens, regardless of ethnicity.

Mr Abbas called on community leaders, religious institutions and traditional rulers to actively foster mutual understanding, tolerance and respect for the rule of law within their communities.

The speaker urged all Nigerians to reject the dangerous practice of taking the law into their own hands, as it undermined democracy and social cohesion.

Mr Abbas reaffirmed the 10th assembly’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice for all and supporting policies safeguarding every Nigerian’s life and dignity.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with all those who seek justice and peace,” he added.

(NAN)