The Ojuromi of Uromi, HRH Anselm Eidenojie, has condemned the recent extrajudicial killings of 16 travelers by suspected vigilante groups in the Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. Eidenojie expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in his domain and urged the federal government to approve the Mobile Police Force (Mopol) barracks donated by the Uromi people to enhance security in the region.
In a statement released through the palace, the traditional ruler extended his condolences to the victims’ families, particularly those from Kano State, and called for stronger security measures to address the growing threat of violence in Uromi and surrounding areas.
The killings, which occurred when the victims were ambushed while traveling through Uromi on their way to Kano, shocked the local community and drew widespread condemnation. According to reports, the travelers were killed by vigilantes in what is suspected to have been a case of mistaken identity, raising questions about the role of local security forces and the effectiveness of the justice system in the area.
HRH Eidenojie emphasized that the tragic incident was not an isolated case but rather part of an escalating trend of violence, including kidnappings and extrajudicial killings, which has plagued Uromi and the larger Esanland for several years. He lamented that despite repeated calls for improved security measures from both the state and federal governments, the situation has only worsened.
The Ojuromi of Uromi pointed out that the local police station, which is the primary law enforcement agency in the area, is no longer equipped or staffed to deal with the rising threat to public safety. With the population of Uromi growing rapidly, the current policing infrastructure has proven inadequate in addressing the complex security challenges faced by the community.
He explained, “Uromi is no longer just a town—it is a growing city and one of the fastest-developing communities in southern Nigeria. With this growth comes an increasing population, and unfortunately, a rise in criminal activities.”
The lack of visible police presence in the region during the recent killings further highlights the dire need for immediate intervention. Eidenojie emphasized the importance of establishing a Rapid Response Team, increasing the paramilitary presence, and setting up a military forward base in the area. He also urged the government to take over and officially recognize the community-initiated Mopol Barracks, which was built and donated by Uromi residents both at home and abroad.
One of the key demands made by the Ojuromi was the approval and deployment of the Mobile Police Force barracks, which the people of Uromi had generously funded and constructed for the Nigerian Police Force. According to the palace statement, this initiative was designed to provide a permanent security solution for the area, but it remains awaiting official government approval.
The barracks, which would house the Mobile Police, is seen as a crucial step toward enhancing security in Uromi. The project, which was fully funded by the local community, reflects the growing concern among residents who are increasingly worried about their safety. The Ojuromi stressed that if the government grants approval, it will significantly strengthen the security apparatus in Uromi, particularly in responding to criminal activities and emergencies.
“We urge the government to deploy more security personnel and utilize the security structures the community has already put in place,” the statement read. “The worsening insecurity has left our people unable to access their farmlands, threatening livelihoods and increasing tensions.”
The lack of government intervention in recent security incidents, including the Uromi killings, has only added to the frustration of the local population. Many residents feel that the federal and state governments have not done enough to address the deep-rooted issues of insecurity in the region, leaving them to fend for themselves.
The palace of the Ojuromi reiterated that Uromi residents have not been idle in the face of rising insecurity. In addition to the Mopol Barracks project, the community has also been working closely with civil society organizations and local groups to raise awareness about the growing security concerns and advocate for better protection.
The palace’s Secretary, Gregory Omonikhobhio, corroborated the traditional ruler’s statement, noting that the palace had approved the press release after discussions with local council members. He emphasized that the situation had reached a point where the community could no longer rely solely on traditional means of resolving conflicts and maintaining peace.
Omonikhobhio explained that the people of Uromi have long been victims of criminal activities, but the latest killings have intensified the urgency for stronger security measures. He acknowledged the efforts of local vigilantes in trying to protect the community but pointed out that these efforts could not replace the need for a structured, professional security presence.
The community’s call for better security has resonated beyond the borders of Uromi, with several neighboring towns and cities expressing solidarity with the demand for increased government intervention. Residents of Esanland, in particular, are concerned about the ripple effects of insecurity on the region’s economic stability and social cohesion.
While the traditional ruler and the local community are taking proactive steps to address the security challenges in Uromi, the responsibility to provide lasting solutions ultimately lies with the federal and state governments. Security experts have long warned that without an adequate security framework in place, regions like Uromi will continue to suffer from escalating violence and lawlessness.
The federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has faced mounting pressure to address insecurity in various parts of the country, including the South-South and South-East regions. The recent killings in Uromi have brought renewed attention to the gaps in the security infrastructure, with calls for urgent reforms to law enforcement agencies and stronger coordination between federal and state security forces.
As the people of Uromi continue to grapple with the consequences of poor security, the hope is that the government will respond swiftly to the demands for increased protection and support for community-driven security initiatives.
