Security operatives, including police, military, and plainclothes agents, have taken strategic positions in Uromi, the headquarters of Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, following the mob killing of 16 northern travelers last Thursday.
Authorities deployed security forces to prevent potential reprisals, while residents remain on edge over fears of retaliatory attacks.
Increased Security Presence and Community Tensions
A visit to Uromi yesterday revealed a palpable sense of fear, with locals avoiding discussions about the incident, especially with unfamiliar faces. This follows the arrest of at least 14 individuals reportedly linked to the attack.
Residents speculate that the region’s persistent security challenges, particularly rampant kidnappings across Edo Central and bordering areas of Edo North, may have triggered the mob’s actions. However, many agree that taking the law into their own hands was unjustifiable.
FCID Takes Over Investigation
In addition to the heavy deployment of police officers, military vehicles were seen patrolling key locations, including highways and suspected hotspots.
The presence of plainclothes security agents has further heightened tensions, as residents grow increasingly suspicious of strangers.
A commercial motorcyclist, who initially engaged in a conversation with this reporter, abruptly changed his stance when asked about the incident.
“I don’t work here; I work in Ekpoma. I only chose to work here today. I only heard of the incident when I came home,” he said.
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, confirmed that the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) has taken over the case.
“The Force Headquarters has taken over the investigation, so it is no longer in our hands. I cannot, therefore, say how far the investigation has gone. But our men are still on the ground to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order,” Yamu stated.
Skeletal Banking Services Amid Fear of Reprisals
With work resuming today, uncertainty looms over banking operations. Last Friday, many banks in the area offered only skeletal services, following unconfirmed reports of possible reprisals.
A banker, who spoke anonymously, expressed concerns over the security situation:
“We had to shut our doors early last Friday when we received information about possible reprisals. You know public properties are often targets in such situations. Some banks operated partially, while others didn’t open at all.
“For today, we will assess the situation. If there are signs of violence, we will close again. However, we are coordinating with security agencies to stay informed.”
The banker also recalled past incidents of kidnapping affecting their colleagues, including the abduction and subsequent death of a bank’s Head of Operations last year.
Residents Fear Unpredictable Reprisals
Despite Governor Monday Okpebholo’s intervention, including the suspension of the local vigilante chief and a condolence visit to the Kano State government and victims’ families, tension remains high.
Hope Osajie, a businesswoman along New Agbor Road, voiced her concerns:
“Our only fear now is the possibility of reprisals. We don’t know where they will strike from—whether from the North or other areas.
“They may not go through major towns but target villages like Agbede in Etsako or Ewu. Security agencies must do more to prevent this.”
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
A resident near Uromi Market disputed claims that the victims were hunters, offering an alternative account:
“A driver coming from the East saw them loading guns into a truck. He ran to inform the vigilante group in Ubiaja.
“When the vigilantes attempted to stop the truck, the driver tried to knock them down. The vigilantes pursued them on motorcycles and alerted their counterparts in Uromi.
“The Uromi vigilantes reportedly used another truck to block the road. During the search, one of the travelers allegedly attacked someone with a jackknife, leading to the chaos.”
While many residents are reluctant to discuss the issue, some blame the security failures of the government.
“The government has failed to protect us. People are scared to go to their farms, and even staying at home isn’t safe. Kidnappers come into homes to abduct people. We’ve protested, we’ve cried for help, but nothing changed. What happened last Thursday was the result of frustration,” said a resident, Idemudia.
Igbo Community Condemns Jungle Justice
The Igbo Community Association has urged the government to take decisive action against jungle justice, emphasizing the sanctity of human life.
In a statement, President General Chief Chris Ubatu condemned the Uromi killings, calling them “tragic and senseless.”
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and strongly condemn this inhumane act. Every human life is precious and should be protected.
“We, the Igbos in Kano, stand in solidarity with the victims’ families and the nation in condemning this act. We pray for the souls of the departed and strength for their families.”
The association also commended Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf for his swift response and called on authorities to prevent misinformation and ensure inter-tribal harmony.
CSO Calls for Government Action on Rising Insecurity
The Civil Society Organization on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI) has called on the federal government to address the rising wave of violence and insecurity nationwide.
CSCHEI Director-General Kunle Yusuff condemned the Uromi killings and demanded a thorough investigation.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the gruesome murder of 16 Nigerians in Edo State.
“We commiserate with the victims’ families and the people of Kano State. No one deserves to die in such a brutal manner.
“As civil society organizations, we condemn this heinous act and demand that authorities take immediate action to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators,” Yusuff stated.
Conclusion
With Uromi on lockdown and security forces on high alert, residents remain on edge, unsure of what the coming days hold. While investigations continue, the government faces mounting pressure to address the broader issues of insecurity, prevent reprisals, and restore confidence among the people.