Major-General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd) has commented on the tragic killing of 16 hunters in Uromi, Edo State, stating that the actions of the hunters contributed to the conflict with the local vigilante group.
The hunters were reportedly traveling north when the incident occurred.
Esekhaigbe argued that the situation had been portrayed in a one-sided manner, revealing that the vigilante group had received local intelligence indicating that the hunters were carrying weapons.
The group attempted to search the vehicle, but when one of the hunters reportedly stabbed a vigilante member with a knife, the situation escalated, leading to the violent response from the vigilantes.
Esekhaigbe condemned the killings but explained that the conflict began with a struggle to search the vehicle. He stressed that while the violence was unjustifiable, it was triggered by the hunters’ resistance. He also expressed the importance of sensitizing cattle herders to understand the rules and regulations of the communities they enter, particularly in regard to legitimate business practices.
Additionally, Esekhaigbe urged community leaders and traditional rulers to clearly communicate the rules to herders before allowing them to graze in their communities.
He also called for a proactive role from the police to ensure that the security of communities is maintained and that the identities of individuals involved in such movements are properly verified to prevent any underlying threats.
