The actions of suspected herders connected to kidnappings have caused widespread concern and instability throughout Edo State, as seen by a disturbing occurrence that occurred Thursday, March 27, in Uromi, the capital of the Esan North East Local Government Area. This incident was just one of several that illustrate the region’s continuous challenges, which have been made worse by these organizations’ aggressive actions, which have left locals feeling frustrated and afraid.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
According to Vanguard, reports indicate that more than 24 communities across Edo Central, Edo North, and Edo South senatorial districts have fallen under the control of these violent herders, who are believed to be from northern Nigeria. Similarly, more than 30 communities in neighboring Delta and Bayelsa states have also been overwhelmed by the same threats. Farmers in these areas have been particularly affected, with many too fearful to return to their farms due to the frequent incursions of herders who destroy crops, assault women, and engage in kidnappings for ransom.
The situation has sparked public outrage, especially among local women, some of whom organized a march to the palace of the Onojie of Uromi to voice their concerns about the rising number of kidnappings and killings. While many are calling for action, the situation remains tense, and the community is increasingly caught in the middle of these violent conflicts.
Some residents have questioned the claims made by the victims, particularly those from the Hausa community. They raised suspicions about the behavior of the victims, who were seen loading their goods into a truck on the road between Onicha-Ugbo in Delta State and Ubiaja in Edo State. These individuals, they claimed, were possibly involved with kidnappers who were hiding in the forests with dogs, further heightening the tension in the area.
A non-indigene living in Uromi, identified as Ben, condemned the actions of vigilantes who resorted to jungle justice in response to the situation. He criticized the lack of proper legal procedures in dealing with suspected criminals, stressing that anyone accused of a crime should go through a lawful trial. According to Ben, a local resident had seen the victims loading guns into a truck, which led to the vigilantes being alerted and preparing to intercept the vehicle.
The vigilantes’ actions quickly escalated when they attempted to stop the trailer carrying the suspects. When the truck refused to stop, the vigilantes in Uromi used a tipper truck full of sand to block its path. During the confrontation, one of the suspects allegedly stabbed a vigilante with a dagger, which caused the situation to spiral out of control. Although the violence that followed was regrettable, it was argued that the victims’ suspicious movements had provoked the response, which ultimately led to the tragic turn of events.
He said, “The vigilantes in Uromi were able to use a tipper with a full trip of sand to stop the trailer, and at the point of questioning them, one of them stabbed the vigilante with a dagger, which was how the thing escalated. It is regrettable the way they were handled, but they caused the provocation, and their movement was suspicious.”.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
