Sixteen travelers from Northern Nigeria were killed in Udune Efandion, Uromi, Edo State, after being falsely accused of kidnapping by a mob.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, when an irate group, misled by false claims, took matters into their own hands.
According to intelligence sources cited by Zagazola Makama, the victims mostly Hausa hunters were traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Sallah festivities when they were intercepted around 1:30 p.m. by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes.
The sight of their Dane guns, commonly used for hunting in the North, was misinterpreted as a threat. Instead of involving the police, the vigilantes raised a false alarm, triggering panic and mob violence.
The mob attacked the travelers, killing 16 on the spot and setting their vehicle ablaze. Some victims were reportedly dragged out and burned.
Security operatives responded too late to prevent the killings, but managed to rescue four survivors, who were rushed to His Grace Hospital, Uromi, for treatment.
Authorities have confirmed the arrest of five suspects, and an investigation is underway.