In an interview with BBC Pidgin, starting at the 2:04 mark, Abubakar Shehu, a hunter who survived a deadly mob attack in Uromi, Edo State, on March 27, 2025, shared his experience and clarified the purpose of the money and tools his group carried. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of 16 northern hunters, has sparked widespread concern about mob justice in Nigeria

Shehu explained that the money found on them was not linked to criminal activity, as some had claimed. “People know that hunters always go out to hustle,” he said, noting that hunters often send earnings home or carry cash to buy items for their families while traveling. The funds in their possession belonged to those who had not yet sent their money back, intended for family needs.

He further addressed the group’s equipment, stating that their iron traps and locally made guns were standard tools for hunting. Shehu stressed that the firearms were legally owned, saying, “Hunters always carry guns, but ours are licensed.” His comments aim to counter misconceptions that led to the tragic attack, where the hunters were mistaken for kidnappers, according to SaharaReporters.

The Uromi incident has drawn condemnation from leaders like President Bola Tinubu, with 14 suspects arrested, as reported by the Edo State Police Command. Shehu’s survival and testimony highlight the need for improved community relations and stricter measures against mob violence to prevent such tragedies in the future.