Tension rises in Sokoto following the killing of 16 Hausa hunters in Uromi, Edo State. Shops shut and public places deserted in Sokoto amid fears of retaliatory violence. Authorities, community leaders, and security forces are working to maintain peace, urging residents to stay calm and avoid violence.
A wave of fear has swept across Sokoto State following the tragic killings of 16 Hausa hunters in Uromi, Edo State, allegedly by local vigilantes and youths. The incident, which occurred last Thursday, has left many in Sokoto on edge, with businesses shutting down and public places nearly empty.
On Friday, Sokoto’s bustling commercial areas, including Bello Way, Emir Yahya Road, and Aliyu Jodi, were notably deserted. Most shops remained locked, with some business owners voluntarily complying with police orders to close their stores. Buhari Haruna Illelah, a local businessman, shared his experience with DAILY POST, confirming that the shutdown was widespread and not limited to specific ethnic groups, as initially reported. “The police came to us, asking us to close our shops and go home. I didn’t see any armed youths, but we received warnings about potential attacks,” he said.
The closures appear to be a precautionary measure to avoid violent outbreaks, as authorities work to prevent retaliatory attacks that many fear could follow the Uromi killings. Security forces have increased their presence in key areas of Sokoto, and community leaders, alongside civil society organizations, have called for restraint, urging residents to pursue justice through peaceful means. While no protests or violent incidents have been confirmed, Sokoto remains on high alert, with residents anxiously monitoring developments.
