Following the recent lynching of 16 alleged travelling hunters in Uromi, Edo State, several prominent Nigerians have voiced deep concern over the disproportionate attention given to this incident, compared to the relentless killings of innocent farmers in Benue and Plateau States by suspected armed herdsmen. Critics argue that the swift reaction from security forces and widespread condemnation seen in Uromi has not been mirrored in the ongoing massacres in the Middle Belt, where thousands remain displaced and unable to return to their ancestral homes.
In Benue State, several attacks have rocked local communities. On Christmas Day 2024, the Anwase community in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) was invaded by suspected herdsmen, resulting in over 17 deaths and widespread displacement. On January 10, 2025, Mr. Terzungwe Shaku, a well-known farmer and businessman in Akor village, Guma LGA, was abducted and later murdered, despite his family paying a ransom of N5.5 million. Just days later, a violent clash in Okpomaju village, Otukpo LGA, left at least three dead and several others injured.
The bloodshed continued on February 18, 2025, when at least 19 people were brutally murdered in Kwande LGA, with 16 bodies dumped in a nearby river. Thomas Dugeri, the lawmaker representing Kwande East in the State Assembly, revealed that about five people are killed daily in the region, and several council wards have been overtaken by armed groups. Most recently, on April 3, 2025, an 18-seater Benue Links bus was attacked in Ikobi community, Otukpo LGA. Thirteen passengers were kidnapped, and both the driver and a passenger were killed.
Stakeholders, including socio-political leaders and youth groups, have condemned what they describe as selective justice in how the government and security agencies handle such incidents. Dr. Bitrus Pogu, National President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), stated that while every Nigerian life is valuable, the muted response to repeated killings in Benue and Plateau contrasts sharply with the outrage over the Uromi event.
He criticized northern groups for issuing threats in response to the Uromi killings, despite persistent violence in the Middle Belt. According to Pogu, the Uromi victims were found with weapons and large amounts of cash, raising questions about their true intentions. He warned that the Middle Belt would no longer tolerate external intimidation or violence and emphasized the need for constitutional justice rather than mob retaliation.
Similarly, the President General of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), Comrade Goodluck Ibem, decried the failure of the same security forces that made rapid arrests in Edo to take similar action in Benue, despite daily killings. He questioned the legitimacy of the Uromi victims’ claims of being hunters, pointing out that no one should hunt in unfamiliar territories without permits. He warned that failing to address the atrocities in Benue contributes to the nation’s food crisis, as farmers continue to abandon their land due to fear of attacks.
In Plateau State, residents from Bassa and Bokkos LGAs are also grappling with continuous violence. A recent wave of attacks between March 27 and April 2, 2025, resulted in over 50 deaths. The Bokkos Concerned Youths, through their Convener Makut Mashat, urged authorities to search caves and mountainous areas around Josho in Daffo, where the attackers are believed to be hiding. The Ron ethnic group has been particularly affected, with mass burials reported in Hurti village.
The Irigwe people in Bassa LGA, through the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), said their community is facing extinction. Rev. Daniel Gya highlighted ongoing ambushes and violent attacks, including the April 2 stabbing of Mr. Dewi Nah near Miango town. He lamented that despite multiple peace initiatives, attacks have only intensified in recent months.
The Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN), representing indigenous ethnic groups, also strongly condemned the attacks. Its National President, Ambassador Nanpon Sheni, called on communities to defend themselves as allowed by the 1999 Constitution, while urging security agencies to fulfill their constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property.
Responding to the situation, the Plateau State Government, through Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, condemned the spate of violence and assured residents that Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration is taking active steps to restore peace. She confirmed arrests have been made and said enhanced intelligence and rapid-response systems are being put in place. Citizens were urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and avoid taking the law into their hands.
The government also called on religious, traditional, and community leaders to help promote peace and unity as part of broader conflict resolution efforts.
This chorus of voices underscores a growing frustration with what many describe as uneven treatment of tragedies across different regions of Nigeria—an imbalance they believe threatens national unity and justice.
