The House of Representatives member representing Rano-Bunkure Federal Constituency in Kano State, Hon. Alhassan Rurum, has appealed to hunters from his constituency to stop traveling to Southern Nigeria for hunting expeditions.
His call follows the tragic loss of lives during a recent violent incident in Uromi, Edo State, involving individuals from his region.
Rurum made the appeal on Thursday while visiting grieving families in Bunkure Village whose relatives were victims of the violence. He expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident and stressed the need for greater caution in light of the nation’s worsening security situation.
Speaking to the gathered community members, the lawmaker noted that Nigeria’s security dynamics have significantly changed, and old practices such as cross-regional hunting have become both dangerous and inappropriate.
“I want to use this opportunity to address our brothers, especially the hunters among us,” Rurum said. “The country is not the same as it was in the past. In these times, it is no longer acceptable to carry weapons like guns or cutlasses and travel to southern parts of the country under the guise of hunting. Things have changed, and we must acknowledge that.”
He cautioned that such movements can be easily misunderstood, especially in regions where language barriers and cultural differences exist. Drawing parallels, Rurum asked his constituents to consider how they would feel if a group of unfamiliar individuals carrying weapons suddenly appeared in their community.
“If people from the South came here with dangerous weapons, speaking a language you don’t understand, how would you react?” he asked. “Now imagine you doing the same thing in their communities. It could lead to fear, suspicion, or even conflict.”
The federal lawmaker urged his constituents to adopt practices that are in harmony with the current realities and respect the sensitivities of other communities.
“Times have changed. We need to evolve and act responsibly,” he said. “What might have been considered normal in the past could now pose serious risks.”
Rurum also disclosed plans to meet with hunters’ associations in Kano to formally address the issue and seek a coordinated end to the practice of interregional hunting.
“We’ll be engaging the various hunters’ groups in the state to ensure that this outdated and risky activity comes to an end,” he explained. “We must prioritize safety and avoid avoidable loss of life. In many cases, these long trips yield nothing—sometimes not even a rat is brought back.”
He called on hunters to redirect their energy toward more productive and less risky ventures, adding that community safety and national unity must come before personal tradition.
“We are pleading with our people: sit down, reflect, and find safer, more acceptable ways to earn a living. Hunting far from home is no longer viable, and we must stop it before more lives are lost.”
