There is no evidence of retaliation attacks by Hausa Group against Igbos in northern Nigeria
In short, the Nigerian government, politicians and religious groups have condemned the murder of 16 Hausa Hunters in Edo State. However, no evidence was found to support the allegations that Hausus’ group attacked the Igbo market and killed six men in retaliation.
On March 27, 2025, 16 travelers from northern Nigeria were killed by mobs in southern Edo.
The victim, who said they were Hausa Hunters and was suspected of being a lure, was traveling from Port Harcourt to Cano. Police say they were attacked after being stopped by a group of vigilantes.
In this connection, several Facebook posts alleged that an armed Hausus group invaded the Igbo market and killed six men in retaliation in the Edo Incident.
A part of one post dated March 31 wrote: “At least six wart men are now being killed, and a group of armed Hausa young men have invaded the wart market in the north, attacking the person in front of them.
Igbos is one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. They live primarily in the southeastern part of the country, while Hausus lives primarily in northern Nigeria.
The same claims are shown here, here, here, here.
But is that true? I checked.
Lack of evidence
Nigeria has been working on ethnic conflicts for many years, with most cases making headlines. However, African Check found no reliable media coverage of such retaliatory attacks on the Northern IGBO.
Some politicians and religious groups condemned the attacks in Edo, and President Bora Tinubu ordered a manhunt for the murderer. The same is expected to happen if the claims of retaliatory attack are true.
The Nigerian Police also issued a statement regarding the EDO incident. We searched police X accounts and websites for statements about alleged retaliation attacks and were empty.
Such misinformation can further promote ethnic tensions and lead to more fatal conflicts.
