What transpired in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State on Thursday, March 27, was the tragic culmination of months of frustration, fear, and anger. Locals, worn down by repeated attacks, kidnappings, and alleged atrocities by suspected herdsmen and armed criminals, took the law into their own hands—lynching 16 travelers suspected to be kidnappers. However, the untold story reveals a deeper context and raises disturbing questions about justice, security, and the government’s failure to protect its people.
Climate of Fear Across Edo and the South-South
Across over 24 communities in Edo State—spanning Edo Central, North, and South—residents have been living in terror due to increasing attacks by suspected herders. These criminals, believed to be mostly Fulani herdsmen, have been accused of invading farms, raping women, uprooting crops to feed their cattle, and demanding ransoms for kidnapped villagers. Neighboring states like Delta and Bayelsa are suffering similar fates, with villagers too frightened to access their farms.
Earlier this year, the Onojie of Uzea, HRH Solomon Itoya Iluobe, declared his community a no-go zone for Fulani, accusing them of kidnapping, rape, and even arson. He admitted to paying multiple ransoms for kidnapped relatives, emphasizing that even the local monarchs are not spared.
Women Protest, Security Fails
In protest of the recurring violence, Uromi women recently stormed the palace of their traditional ruler, demanding action against the escalating kidnappings. In Bayelsa, mothers also protested, lamenting the destruction of their farmlands and the rape of their daughters.
The fear became so intense that the people of Uromi grew skeptical of outsiders, especially travelers from the North, amid frequent security lapses and what they described as the government’s indifference.
The Uromi Incident: What Really Happened?
On March 27, a trailer transporting 27 individuals of Hausa origin—claiming to be hunters returning home from Port Harcourt for Salah—was stopped by vigilante operatives in Uromi. Acting on a tip-off, the vigilantes used a tipper loaded with sand to block the vehicle.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspects were concealed under a tarpaulin in a truck filled with palm kernel shells, raising suspicions. They were also reportedly in possession of hunting rifles, dogs, and large amounts of new currency notes.
When confronted, one of the men allegedly stabbed a vigilante member, escalating the situation into a full-blown mob attack. Sixteen were lynched, five escaped, and others were rescued by locals.
“They Are Not Hunters” – Survivors, Locals Disagree
While survivors claimed to be legitimate hunters from Kano State, many locals and eyewitnesses disputed the claim. Prince Eugene Olumese and others pointed out that real hunters wouldn’t hide in trailers or travel with large amounts of cash. The lack of game meat or signs of hunting activity further deepened suspicions.
Brown Okojie, another Uromi native, emphasized the contrast between the behavior of typical northern hunters—who travel visibly with dogs and weapons—and the clandestine manner in which the victims hid.
Some villagers claimed to have identified a few of the lynched individuals as their past abductors. Items allegedly stolen during previous kidnappings were reportedly found among their belongings.
Horrific Crimes by Suspected Herders Triggered Mob Anger
The mob action was reportedly fueled by deeply traumatic experiences shared by residents. One account claimed that suspected Fulani herders kidnapped a pregnant woman and her husband. She gave birth in captivity, and her baby was allegedly fed to dogs in front of her. In another case, a three-year-old child was trampled by cows while walking to school.
Villagers recounted paying millions in ransom, only for captors to kill victims regardless. In one instance, N25 million was paid for a couple’s release; they were still murdered. Another woman paid N5 million for her sister’s release but was held hostage instead.
These horrifying stories contributed to the mob’s outrage and may have driven them to ignore due process.
Government Response: Crackdown and Fallout
Governor Monday Okpebholo visited Uromi the next day, but his presence nearly sparked more conflict as both indigenous and Hausa residents staged rival protests. He later addressed the crowd after security operatives dispersed them.
Citizens expressed dismay at the state government’s dismantling of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), a community-based vigilante system initiated by former governor Godwin Obaseki. Under Okpebholo, the network was replaced with the Edo State Security Corps, and members were asked to surrender their weapons for profiling. This move was perceived as weakening local defense against criminals.
Following the Uromi killings, the governor suspended the head of the security corps and implemented stricter anti-kidnapping laws. These include demolition of any property linked to kidnapping activities and requiring landlords to profile tenants before renting to them.
Where Are the Weapons and Cash?
There is still controversy surrounding the weapons and large sums of money reportedly found with the suspects. Some say the guns—mostly Dane guns—were handed to police, but the Police Public Relations Officer stated that the matter had been transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID). The fate of the alleged cash remains unknown.
Final Thoughts
The Uromi lynching reflects a tragic breakdown of trust between citizens and law enforcement. Locals took brutal action due to deep-seated fear, anger, and disillusionment with state and federal protection. While the lynching of 16 people is widely condemned as jungle justice, the story behind the act reveals a community pushed to the edge by unaddressed atrocities.
As Edo State moves forward with tougher anti-kidnapping measures, it remains to be seen whether justice, accountability, and genuine peace can be restored to communities like Uromi—where lawlessness and trauma have ruled for too long.
