Tensions Rise as Governors Visit Torankawa Over Hunters’ Killing
A dark cloud of grief hung over Torankawa village in Bunkure LGA, Kano State, as Governors Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State paid a joint condolence visit following the brutal lynching of 16 hunters from the village in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims, who were on their way from Port Harcourt to Kano for Sallah celebrations, were allegedly intercepted by vigilantes and killed in a chilling act of mob justice that has since ignited national outrage.
Torankawa on Edge: Armed Hunters March In
The normally quiet Torankawa village transformed into a security flashpoint on Monday, as hundreds of hunters from neighboring areas arrived in solidarity, many of them visibly armed.
Fear and tension rippled across the community. While some residents remained indoors, others gathered quietly, stunned by the tragedy that has drawn national attention and leaders to their doorstep.
An elderly mourner summed up the moment poignantly:
“We have never seen a senator in this village, but today, we have seen two governors.”
Justice Pledges from Okpebholo and Yusuf
Governor Okpebholo, in a strong show of accountability, promised justice, compensation, and prosecution of the perpetrators. He revealed that 14 suspects have already been arrested and transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
“I want to assure you that Mr. President is deeply disturbed by this incident,” Okpebholo said, emphasizing that security agencies were under strict orders to act swiftly.
Governor Yusuf of Kano echoed this stance, urging the Edo State government to publicly parade the suspects, stating that transparency and action were crucial to restoring trust.
“Our people were maimed, burnt, and murdered in cold blood. We demand justice and public prosecution to deter future crimes,” Yusuf stated at the Kano State Government House.
No Room for Reprisal: Governors Preach Peace
While addressing the growing anger and sorrow in the community, both governors warned against retaliatory violence, reiterating Nigeria’s unity and the need for peaceful coexistence.
Okpebholo described the lynching as unreflective of Edo’s values and stressed that the Hausa community remains a vital part of the state’s cultural fabric.
Youths, Women March for Justice
In a powerful display of unity and grief, youths and women took to the streets, wielding placards with messages such as:
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“Hunters are not criminals”
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“Justice for our traveling hunters”
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“Stop killing Northerners”
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“We are peace-loving people”
Their peaceful protest sent a clear message: they want justice, not war.
Barau, Arewa Group Add Their Voices
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, receiving Governor Okpebholo in Abuja, condemned the killings and called for a thorough prosecution.
“We want the perpetrators brought to justice. This should never happen again,” Barau emphasized, praising Edo’s swift response.
In Kaduna, the Arewa Think Tank, led by Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, also condemned the act and warned against using the tragedy to stoke regional animosities. The group praised President Tinubu’s swift directive to security agencies and emphasized prayers over provocation.
Moving Forward: Swift Justice as a Deterrent
This tragic incident has brought Nigeria once again to a moment of reckoning—can justice move faster than vengeance?
For now, the message from both Edo and Kano is clear: there will be justice, there will be compensation, and there will be consequences for those behind this heinous crime.
But the nation watches, waits, and hopes that action, not just words, will write the final chapter of this painful story.
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