Uromi Killings: Edo Government Yet to Fulfil Compensation Pledge, Families Say!

Uromi Killings: Edo Government Yet to Fulfil Compensation Pledge, Families Say!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist

The lone survivor and bereaved families of the Uromi killings have lamented that the Edo State Government has not fulfilled its pledge to fully compensate them, nearly 11 months after the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 16 travellers.
The mass killing occurred on 27 March 2025 when a mob in Uromi, Esan North‑East Local Government Area intercepted and brutally lynched a group of mostly northern Nigerian hunters who were travelling to Kano State. The assault triggered national outrage, prompting senior government officials and rights groups to condemn the act and call for justice.
During a condolence visit to Kano State shortly after the tragedy, Governor Monday Okpebholo publicly pledged that the Edo State Government would provide compensation to the families of the slain travellers. However, despite the promise, the victims’ families and the lone survivor say they have yet to receive full compensation or a clear timeline for when it will be paid almost a year after the pledge was made.
The controversy has been further fuelled by misinformation on social media, including unverified claims that the Edo Government had paid ₦6 billion as compensation claims that have been debunked by multiple fact‑checking outlets and dismissed by government officials.
Following the incident, the Edo Government also took administrative action by suspending illegal vigilante groups implicated in the killings and initiating investigations into the mob violence.
Rights advocates and political leaders have repeatedly urged authorities to expedite compensation and ensure justice for the victims’ families, warning that prolonged delays might worsen ethnic tensions and undermine national unity.
As the bereaved families continue to wait, questions linger over when, and how, the Edo State Government will fulfil its obligation to them with the lone survivor calling for justice, accountability, and tangible support for those still grieving.

Citations!
1.Daily Trust
https://dailytrust.com/uromi-killings-edo-yet-to-pay-compensation-11-months-after

2.FactCheck Hub
https://factcheckhub.com/uromi-killings-claim-that-edo-paid-%E2%82%A66bn-to-northerners-handed-over-16-vigilantes-is-false

3.Arise TV
https://www.arise.tv/senate-president-akpabio-governors-condemn-uromi-killings-call-for-justice

4.Inquirer Nigeria
https://inquirer.ng/2025/03/31/edo-governor-takes-decisive-action-against-vigilante-groups-after-uromi-killings

5.The Guardian Nigeria
https://guardian.ng/news/edo-killing-kano-governor-nba-insist-on-compensation-amid-fears-of-reprisal

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

See author's posts