Rising Insecurity Turns Deadly in Uromi, Edo State
A wave of fear and frustration boiled over in Uromi, Edo State, as villagers took justice into their own hands, leading to the lynching of 16 individuals alleged to be kidnappers. The incident, which occurred on March 27, 2025, was the climax of months of terror endured by residents in Edo and surrounding states, where armed herders and kidnappers have been accused of numerous crimes, including rape, murder, and destruction of farmlands.
Horror Unfolds: A Baby Fed to Dogs
In one of the most chilling revelations, villagers recounted how Fulani herdsmen allegedly kidnapped a pregnant woman and her husband. After she gave birth in captivity, her newborn was reportedly fed to dogs—leaving the mother traumatized. Such stories have heightened the community’s distrust and fear of strangers, particularly armed groups traveling through the region.
Villagers Claim They Recognized Their Captors
According to eyewitnesses, the men lynched in Uromi were traveling in a trailer camouflaged under palm kernel shells. Villagers claimed some of them had been previously involved in abductions and recognized them on sight. Alleged stolen property and weapons were reportedly found in their possession.
Survivors of the attack claimed they were hunters from Kano on their way to celebrate Salah in the North, but locals remained unconvinced, especially after one of the suspects allegedly stabbed a vigilante during questioning.
Mob Justice in the Absence of Trust
Locals say their actions were driven by desperation and failed promises from security agencies. Repeatedly, suspects handed over to the authorities were seen back in the community days or weeks later—leaving villagers exposed to retaliation.
A source said, “People who have kidnapped us before were among them. Some victims identified them, and we saw some of our stolen items with them. We had no choice. Our lives are constantly at risk.”
Failed Security Structure Fuels Violence
The tension has been building for months. In January, the Onojie of Uzea publicly called for Fulani herdsmen to leave their forests, citing multiple kidnappings and ransom payments—even involving his own family members.
Meanwhile, the disbanding of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) by Governor Okpebholo left communities without adequate local protection. His replacement force, Edo State Security Corps, was still undergoing restructuring when the Uromi incident erupted.
Okpebholo Responds with Tough Anti-Kidnapping Measures
Following the lynching, Governor Okpebholo visited Uromi and pledged to continue the crackdown on kidnappers. He introduced a new law allowing the demolition of any building linked to kidnapping activities and made it mandatory for landlords to profile tenants before renting properties.
These measures are already causing ripple effects, with alleged informants reportedly fleeing their homes out of fear.
A Wake-Up Call for the Nation
While jungle justice remains unconstitutional and condemned by many, the Uromi killings highlight the extent of public distrust in the system. It also underscores the urgent need for a functional and responsive security architecture, particularly in rural communities under siege.
As this crisis deepens, Nigerians must demand accountability, transparency, and proactive protection from both federal and state governments. Justice must be pursued through the law—not mob rule—but only if the law delivers justice in the first place.
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