Following the killing of over 15 northern individuals by local vigilantes in Uromi, the vigilantes allegedly found the victims in possession of firearms and suspected them of being kidnappers. The incident has drawn national attention, raising concerns about security, justice, and ethnic relations in Nigeria.
Governor Monday Okpebholo has responded to the crisis by visiting Kano State to personally condole with the families of the deceased. His visit, however, has sparked intense criticism from Nigerians, particularly Edo indigenes, who feel their governor is more concerned with appeasing northern leaders than addressing long-standing security concerns in his own state.
Governor Okpebholo assured the victims’ families that justice would be served, emphasizing that security agencies, under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have been mobilized to investigate and prosecute those responsible. So far, 14 suspects have been arrested and are set to be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation.
The Edo State government has also announced the formation of a committee to support the victims’ families, a move aimed at calming rising tensions. The governor reiterated that Edo remains a land of hospitality and unity and pledged to work towards ensuring peace and justice.
Public Outrage.
While some praised the governor for taking swift action, many Nigerians, especially Edo citizens, expressed anger over what they see as a one-sided approach to justice. They argue that when Fulani herdsmen attacked Edo communities, the government did little to address the situation. Social media has been flooded with backlash, with some calling for the governor’s resignation and others questioning why northern leaders have not shown the same level of concern when southern citizens are victims of violence.
Social Media Reactions:
- Obadiah Nwasor (@IamObd): “How does anyone want to continue living in a country where they’re not considered equals? Fulani terrorists sack villages, kill, and destroy, yet no arrests are made. But when Fulani are killed (even in self-defense), there’s an uproar!”
- Jay (@princejH2O): “You will be remembered for nothing good! How many herdsmen have been prosecuted for killing Edo people?”
- Chief Njoku (@NemeremNjoku): “Edo people should sell you and share the money even if it’s 2k each.”
- Fisher Whitebones (@Benchovic): “You’re the biggest enemy of our state. Nobody sent you on this mission. Buy more shoes because you will be making more condolence visits if terrorists continue to terrorize our people.”
- The Jagaban of Jos (@aduola_michael): “When it’s time for reelection, Edo people should sack this man!”
- Ore~Eva (@obara_eucharia): “Coward! What did you do when your people complained about the activities of herdsmen? Nothing. But you quickly ran to Kano to pay condolences.”
- Stephen Orukpe (@StephenOrukpe8): “No northern governor has condemned the killings of southerners by terrorist herdsmen or paid condolence visits. Yet, here we are.”
Justice and National Security.
The incident in Uromi raises broader concerns about security and the perception of justice in Nigeria. Many critics argue that the federal government has failed to address the ongoing attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the South, leading to a lack of trust in government interventions. The governor’s visit to Kano has reignited this debate, with many questioning the unequal response to violence in different parts of the country.
While the Edo State government insists that justice will be served, the public remains skeptical. As investigations continue, the demand for balanced and fair governance remains at the forefront of national discourse.
Governor Okpebholo’s response to the Uromi killings has further polarized Nigerians, with some seeing it as a necessary step towards justice and others as an act of betrayal to the people of Edo State. Moving forward, the Edo government must not only ensure justice for the victims of Uromi but also address the long-standing security concerns of its citizens to rebuild public trust.
