By Fabian Peter
The brutal murder of innocent commuters in Uromi, Edo State, on March 27, 2025, has left the nation reeling with grief and outrage. The victims—some of whom hailed from Kano—were simply passing through Edo when they were ambushed and killed by armed thugs. Beyond the tragic loss of life, their families are now left with emotional wounds that may never heal.
In response, the Governor of Edo State assured the affected families that justice will be served, and fourteen suspects have reportedly been apprehended. The state government announced plans to transfer them to Abuja for further investigation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also pledged that security agencies would track down and prosecute those responsible.
But the pressing question remains: Will justice truly be done?
The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Act, is explicit—anyone who unlawfully takes another person’s life is guilty of a capital offense and should face the appropriate punishment. These criminals did not just break the law—they shattered lives and violated our shared sense of humanity. Justice must not only be promised; it must be delivered.
Allowing the perpetrators to walk free would be a betrayal of the victims and their families. It would also send a dangerous message—that such acts can go unpunished. We must not allow that precedent. Nigerians are watching, and so is the world.
This moment is a test for both the Edo State Government and the Federal Government. Justice is not achieved through press statements or temporary arrests; it requires firm, lawful action. The suspects must be tried, and if found guilty, punished in accordance with the law.
The government must demonstrate its seriousness and commitment to the rule of law. The families of the deceased are waiting. The nation is watching. This is not just about one community—it is about the integrity of our justice system and our collective conscience.
If we are truly a nation governed by laws, then now is the time to prove it. Those responsible must face the full weight of justice—not just for the sake of the victims, but for the future of a safe and just Nigeria.
