BENIN CITY – Fear and uncertainty have gripped the communities of Old Ilushi Road, Opere, and Good Will Junction in Uromi, Edo State, as residents flee en masse, fearing reprisals and mass arrests following the gruesome lynching of 16 travelers last Thursday.
The mass departure comes amid heightened security crackdowns, with Governor Monday Okpebholo assuring that justice will be served for the victims. The governor, during a visit to Kano State, disclosed that 14 suspects have been arrested so far and will soon be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation. Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has demanded an independent judicial panel to probe the killings.
Fear and Uncertainty Grip Uromi
Vanguard reports indicate that many residents have stopped going to their farms, while others seek refuge in neighboring towns. Some who spoke anonymously recounted how the violent incident unfolded.
A resident identified as Monday narrated: “The vigilante group received intelligence that the travelers were armed. Upon their arrival in Uromi, the vigilantes tried to stop them, but an altercation ensued. One of them allegedly pulled a knife, leading to an alarm that escalated into the tragic mob action.”
According to him, those who participated in the attack have fled, while innocent bystanders are being arrested. He added: “On Saturday, a young man was arrested near Opere Secondary School on his motorcycle, completely unaware of the previous day’s events. The situation has left the community deserted, with only a few motorbikes daring to pass through.”
Tensions Rise Amid Incessant Kidnappings
Residents insist that their town has long been plagued by kidnappings, allegedly carried out by hunters and herders from the northern region.
In a chilling development, a young woman was reportedly abducted outside her home on March 30, with no ransom demand as of Monday afternoon.
A resident, Mr. Akhere, explained: “We are not justifying the killings, but these individuals were not traditional hunters. Real hunters move with dogs. The vigilantes had been tracking these suspects for a while.”
Another local, Peter, revealed that his cousin, an active security volunteer, had to flee town after seeing random arrests. He stated: “Some people have left because they fear reprisals. There was even panic in Ekpoma after rumors spread that Fulani groups were planning an attack.”
Ekpoma Market Panic
Commotion erupted in Ekpoma Market yesterday as rumors of an impending Fulani attack spread. Witnesses say panic-stricken motorists made sudden U-turns, while traders abandoned their stalls. Security forces were quickly deployed to restore calm.
Grieving Families Demand Justice
The tragic events in Uromi have struck a nerve, especially among those who have suffered at the hands of kidnappers. Jenny Osajie, 30, shared her pain: “My brother was kidnapped and killed because we couldn’t raise a N5 million ransom. They told us where to pick his body. Why has the government never acted this swiftly against those terrorizing us?”
Governor Okpebholo: Justice Will Prevail
Governor Okpebholo has vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to book. During his visit to Kano, he assured Governor Abba Yusuf that justice will be served. “The President is not happy about this. The IGP has taken charge, and arrests are ongoing,” he said.
Governor Yusuf condemned reprisals, urging restraint: “Retaliation is not the answer. Justice must take its course, and we must protect our people.”
Meanwhile, in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, enraged youths and women staged protests, demanding justice for the slain travelers. They held placards reading: “Hunters are not criminals” and “We need speedy justice.”
Arewa Forum Condemns Ethnic Profiling
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has decried the killings as a “perverse illustration of Nigeria’s security crisis.” It insists that ethnic profiling played a role and called for an independent judicial investigation.
ACF spokesman, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, warned: “Uromi 19 was premeditated. These were travelers, not kidnappers. The nation must address the rising ethnic stigmatization before it spirals out of control.”
He urged the government to compensate victims’ families and hold security agencies accountable. “Suspension of officials is not enough; they must be investigated for negligence,” he added.
