Again, Senate condemns Uromi killings, seeks regulation of vigilante groups

The Nigerian Senate has strongly condemned the brutal mob killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, demanding swift prosecution of those responsible and urgent legislative action to regulate vigilante operations nationwide.

The victims who were from Northern Nigerian, many from Kano State—were attacked and set ablaze by suspected vigilante members.

The incident, which has sparked national outrage, was described by lawmakers as “a gross violation of constitutional rights and a dangerous sign of growing lawlessness.”

Raising the motion during plenary, Senator Suleiman Kawu lamented the tragic loss of lives, noting that such extrajudicial killings threaten Nigeria’s unity and the integrity of its security architecture.

“It is unacceptable that citizens are killed without recourse to law or justice. The right to life is sacrosanct,” Kawu stated.

Senate Deputy President, Barau Jibrin, also weighed in, faulting the vigilantes for bypassing law enforcement.

“Rather than hand the travellers to the police for verification, they acted on assumptions and took the law into their own hands,” he said.

Senator Rufai Hanga praised the Kano State government and traditional leaders for urging calm.

“Without their swift intervention, we could have witnessed an avoidable ethnic crisis,” he warned.

The Senate held a minute of silence in honour of the victims and resolved to support efforts by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State to investigate and ensure accountability.

In addition to calling for adequate compensation for the bereaved families, the lawmakers urged the drafting of a bill to regulate vigilante and local hunter groups operating across Nigeria.

The proposed law would provide a legal framework for identifying, monitoring, and overseeing these groups—particularly during interstate activities.

“The lack of regulation has created room for abuse and mistaken identity, leading to tragedies like this,” the Senate noted in its resolution.

The lawmakers said establishing a formal oversight mechanism would help prevent future incidents, uphold rule of law, and rebuild public trust in community security initiatives.

Again, Senate condemns Uromi killings, seeks regulation of vigilante groups