990ABUJA: The National Assembly(Senate) has resolved to expedite the passage of a proposed bill aimed at regulating the operations of vigilante groups and hunting activities across the country, in response to the growing number of mob killings and extrajudicial violence.
This decision followed a motion presented by Senator Sumaila Kawu during Tuesday’s plenary, in which he condemned the brutal murder of 16 travelers on March 27 in Uromi, Edo State. The victims, reportedly from Northern Nigeria, were intercepted by an unrecognized security group, accused of being kidnappers, and killed without trial.
Describing the incident as a “gruesome violation” of the constitution and a chilling erosion of the rule of law,” Kawu stressed the importance of upholding citizens’ right to life.
It is unacceptable that citizens are killed without due process or access to justice. The right to life is sacrosanct and must be protected, he stated.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the killings as a “tragic case of mistaken identity, highlighting the atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the country. He emphasized the urgent need for legislation to prevent future incidents of this nature.
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Senator Rufai Hanga praised the Kano State Government and traditional leaders for their prompt efforts to maintain peace and prevent the situation from escalating into an ethnic crisis.
The swift call for calm helped avert a potential ethnic conflict,” Hanga noted.
In honor of the victims, the Senate observed a minute of silence and pledged to support Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s ongoing investigation to ensure justice and accountability.
Furthermore, the Senate directed its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Police Affairs, and Human Rights to oversee the government and security agencies’ response to the killings.
The committees will also be tasked with proposing legislative frameworks to professionalize and regulate community-based security initiatives.
The proposed bill will include provisions requiring hunters and similar groups to notify and report to the nearest police station when crossing into another state for hunting. This measure aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and overall security.
