By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
A Group of Hausa Hunters in Africa has demanded for justice over the gruesome murder of Sixteen of their members in Edo State recently.
The demand for justice was made through Alhaji Abashe Garba, the Sarkin Bakan Hausawan Africa, while reacting to the development during a press conference he addressed on Tuesday in Bauchi.
He categorically called on the Federal and Edo State Governments as well as security agencies to ensure that all those implicated in the killing of 16 hunters in Uromi, Edo State were apprehended and punished accordingly.
Abashe Garba strongly condemned the killings, stressing that that was not the first time Northerners have faced attacks in the Southern region of the country and emphasised the urgent need for justice in order to promote peace and national unity.
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Hausa leadership across Africa under Alhaji Abdulkadir Dahiru Koguna just as he offered prayers for the deceased, hoping that justice would soon prevail and serve as a deterrent to future violence.
He said, “We want the government to take immediate action to ensure all those involved in the killings are apprehended and punished according to the law.”
While addressing concerns over local guns reportedly found with the victims, Abashe Garba explained that hunters have long been associated with the use of guns, and that their operations are lawful and well-structured.
According to him, “We operate as an organised group. Carrying guns is not illegal for our members, as these are tools used in hunting. All our members carry official identification cards and should be verified through proper channels when stopped.”
He stressed that, “It’s impossible to hunt with bare hands. Since ancient times, hunters have used weapons from bows and arrows to firearms. Wild animals cannot be caught like domestic ones; they require shooting, and we use guns for that purpose.”
The Hunters leader also highlighted the critical role hunters play in promoting peace and security nationwide.
He stated that, “For example, in Bauchi State alone, just two years ago in Ningi, particularly in the Ganji area, we confronted kidnappers in several battles. I lost eight of my men, but we succeeded in overcoming the threat.”
“Similarly, in Magama Gumau, the area faced recurring kidnappings less than two years ago. I was called upon, and I deployed my team to tackle the problem. The community is now peaceful,” he added.
He urged the Federal and State Governments, as well as other stakeholders, to continue assisting the hunters in order to enhance their morale and strengthen their contributions to national security.
Recall that 16 Northerner hunters, who were returning from Rivers State en route to Kano state, were brutally killed in a mob attack by a vigilante group in Udune Efandion, a community in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, weeks ago.