Uromi Killings: Families of Kano Hunters Still Await Compensation One Year After

One year after the tragic lynching of 16 Kano hunters in Uromi, Edo State, families of the victims say they are still waiting for the compensation promised by the Edo State Government.

The incident occurred in March 2025 when 29 hunters travelling from Rivers State to Kano for the Eid celebration were stopped by local vigilantes who wrongly accused them of being kidnappers. Despite their pleas, a mob attacked them, killing 16 and injuring 13 others.

Following the incident, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo visited Kano alongside his counterpart, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to commiserate with the victims’ families. During the visit, he pledged that adequate compensation would be provided and promised measures to prevent a recurrence.

However, survivors and relatives say those promises remain largely unfulfilled.

Speaking in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, a survivor and leader of the hunters, Ibrahim Isa, described the situation as one of neglect. He said many families have been left without support after losing their breadwinners.

Isa spoke after receiving ₦200,000 and food items from the Kano State Government but urged Edo authorities to honour their commitment.

Similarly, Khadija Abdullahi Hamisu, a 20-year-old widow, recounted her struggles since losing her husband in the attack. She also revealed that she lost a five-month pregnancy during the incident and said neither state government has fully delivered on its promises.

In response, the Kano State Government on Friday provided ₦7.4 million in cash and food items to affected families. The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Abdullahi Ibrahim Waiya, who delivered the support, acknowledged the delay and reaffirmed the government’s commitment.

According to him, Governor Yusuf approved ₦300,000 for each of the 16 deceased victims’ families and ₦200,000 for each of the 13 survivors, along with food supplies.

Waiya explained that the governor had initially believed the earlier pledges had been fulfilled but acted swiftly after discovering they had not been implemented.

He also assured that the Kano State Government would continue to engage Edo authorities to ensure that the promised compensation is paid.

Despite the recent intervention, affected families insist more needs to be done to ease their hardship and bring closure to the painful incident.