“Stop Going South to Hunt, Times Have Changed” — Kano Lawmaker Warns Northern Hunters After Uromi Killings

A member of the House of Representatives, Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, has urged hunters from northern Nigeria to halt the tradition of travelling southward in search of game, describing the practice as outdated and increasingly dangerous in the context of the country’s growing insecurity.

Rurum, who represents Rano, Bunkure, and Kibiya Federal Constituency, made the appeal during a condolence visit to Torankawa in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State. The visit followed the recent killing of several northerners in Uromi, located in Esan East Local Government Area of Edo State.

While addressing residents and bereaved families, Rurum emphasized the need for hunters to reconsider their methods. He pointed out that travelling across regions while carrying weapons such as guns and cutlasses, especially into communities where there are language barriers and mutual suspicions, is no longer safe or acceptable.

He said the old tradition of hunting expeditions to the south must end in light of changing times and rising tensions. Rurum warned that such practices are now viewed as threatening and can provoke fear and violence, especially when hunters enter unfamiliar communities.

The lawmaker assured the community that efforts were ongoing to ensure the perpetrators of the Uromi killings are brought to justice. He also announced plans to meet with hunters’ associations across Kano State to put an end to the practice.

Rurum lamented the lack of results from such expeditions, noting that hunters often return empty-handed. He encouraged a shift toward more peaceful and modern alternatives.

In a show of support for the grieving families, Rurum donated N5 million and pledged to construct a school in the community, dedicated to the memory of the victims and the welfare of their orphans. He also revealed plans, alongside Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), to raise a motion in the National Assembly to address the killings and push for justice.