Security forces have taken control of key areas in Uromi, the administrative center of Esan North-East Local Government Area in Edo State, following the brutal mob killing of 16 northern travelers last Thursday.
The presence of police, military units, and undercover operatives in critical areas is aimed at preventing any potential retaliation. However, fear continues to grip the community as Uromi adjusts to this heightened security presence and the uncertainty surrounding the aftermath.
A visit to the area on Monday revealed a tense atmosphere, with many residents cautious about speaking openly, particularly to outsiders. At least 14 individuals have been arrested in connection with the killings, with reports suggesting that these arrests were made at random. This has only added to the growing sense of anxiety among the local population.
Some residents speculate that the recent spate of kidnappings in Edo Central and its neighboring regions may have sparked the mob’s actions, although the consensus remains that nothing justifies taking the law into one’s own hands.
Federal CID Assumes Control of the Investigation
Alongside the local police, military patrols have been seen near key highways and other vulnerable areas, with plainclothes security agents also reported to be monitoring public movements. The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed that the investigation had been transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, and as such, is no longer under local jurisdiction. Nevertheless, police personnel remain in the area to maintain law and order.
“The Force Headquarters has taken over the investigation, so it is no longer in our hands. But our men are still on ground to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order,” Yamu stated.
Banks and Businesses Remain on Edge
There is still uncertainty surrounding the full reopening of banks and businesses in Uromi. Many establishments operated under limited hours on Friday, following rumors of possible retaliatory attacks. One anonymous banker noted, “We’ll see how today goes. Last Friday, some banks didn’t open at all, while others closed early. If tensions escalate, we’ll close again. The security agencies are on alert, but the situation is still tense.”
The banker recalled the painful kidnapping and subsequent death of the Head of Operations at a major bank in Igueben last year, which has left a lasting impact on the community. “He was kidnapped and later found dead. Even the mortuary rejected the body because it had decomposed. That incident shook us. It explains, to some extent, the anger people are feeling. But jungle justice is never the answer.”
He further added, “These used to be peaceful areas, but now, many kidnappings go unreported. Some victims are even taken from their own homes.”
Governor Okpebholo’s Response
Governor Monday Okpebholo has made efforts to ease the tension by suspending the head of the local vigilante group and visiting the families of the victims, as well as reaching out to the Kano State government. However, despite these actions, fears of possible retaliation continue to linger.
“We don’t know when or how the reprisals may happen. That’s the most frightening part,” said Hope Osajie, a trader on New Agbor Road. “We’re hearing they might target villages, not towns—places like Agbede or Ewu. Security agencies must be more proactive.”
Locals Insist Victims Were Not Hunters
A resident near the Uromi market refuted earlier reports claiming that the slain travelers were hunters. He recounted that a driver traveling from the east had seen individuals loading guns into a truck and had alerted the Ubiaja vigilantes. When the vigilantes attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly tried to run them over. The vigilantes pursued the truck and informed the Uromi security team, who intercepted the vehicle. During the search, one of the passengers allegedly stabbed someone with a jackknife, an act that is said to have triggered the violent reaction.
Others pointed to the root causes of the incident, blaming the government’s longstanding failure to protect the citizens. “The government has failed in its duty to protect us. People are afraid to go to their farms. Some have been kidnapped from their homes,” said Idemudia, a local resident. “We have cried out and protested, but nothing has changed. What happened last Thursday was the result of people’s frustration. Still, it doesn’t make what happened right.”
The situation in Uromi remains fragile, and as the investigation unfolds, there is an urgent call for greater accountability from the government and a more effective security response to prevent further violence.
