Uromi Tensions Rise as Residents Abandon Homes Amidst Security Crackdown
Fear and uncertainty have taken over communities in Uromi, Edo State, as residents flee their homes following a mob lynching incident that resulted in the deaths of 16 travelers.
The affected areas—Old Ilushi Road, Opere, and Good Will Junction—are now ghost towns, with people seeking refuge elsewhere to escape possible reprisal attacks and arrests by security forces.
Governor Okpebholo Promises Justice
In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State visited Kano to reassure the families of the victims that justice would be served.
He confirmed that 14 suspects have been arrested and will soon be transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for an independent judicial panel to probe the killings, raising concerns about ethnic profiling and systemic failures in Nigeria’s security apparatus.
Why Did the Mob Attack Happen?
Speaking to news outlets, locals revealed the events that led to the tragic lynching. According to a resident named Monday, a vigilante group had received reports that the travelers were armed.
When the group arrived in Uromi, they were stopped by the vigilantes but refused to comply, leading to an altercation. One of the travelers reportedly pulled out a knife, prompting the vigilantes to raise an alarm, which resulted in the mob action.
Despite the attack, many locals insist they do not condone mob justice. “Those who participated in the lynching have fled, while innocent people are being arrested,” one source said.
Rising Fear and Panic in Neighboring Communities
The fear of retaliation has spread beyond Uromi. In Ekpoma, panic erupted at a local market amid rumors of an impending attack by Fulani herders.
Security forces were swiftly deployed to restore order, but the tension remains high.
One resident, Jenny Osajie, shared her personal experience with kidnappers in the area, revealing how her elder brother was abducted and killed after the family failed to raise a N5 million ransom.
“We’ve been crying out about these kidnappers for years, but the government has been slow to act. Now, suddenly, they are quick to respond to this incident,” she lamented.
Government’s Next Steps
Governor Okpebholo has assured that justice will be served, emphasizing that security forces are actively pursuing the perpetrators.
In a meeting with Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, he confirmed that more arrests would be made in the coming days.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has urged for calm, stressing that reprisals will only harm innocent people.
He called on security agencies to parade the arrested suspects publicly to assure the victims’ families that justice is being served.
The Bigger Picture: Ethnic Tensions and Security Failures
The ACF has condemned the killings, describing them as a disturbing reflection of Nigeria’s deep-rooted security issues.
In a strongly worded statement, the group rejected the claim that the victims were kidnappers, calling instead for systemic reforms to address the ethnic profiling and unchecked violence plaguing different parts of the country.
As the dust settles on this tragic event, one thing remains clear: Uromi’s residents are caught in a web of fear and uncertainty, desperately hoping for a return to peace and security in their homeland.
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