Fear Grips Communities In Uromi After Deadly Mob Attack

Deserted Towns: Residents Flee Amid Fear of Arrests and Retaliation

It’s a scene straight out of a nightmare. Entire communities around Old Ilushi Road, Opere, and Good Will Junction in Uromi, Edo State, have been abandoned as residents flee in fear of reprisals and arrests. The panic began after a mob lynched 16 travelers last Thursday. People are running for their lives, leaving behind homes, businesses, and livelihoods, all because of the chaos that unfolded.

When you think about it, this isn't just about one event—it's a reflection of how fear has taken root in these communities. The tragedy has left a deep scar, and now even innocent people are caught in the crossfire. It's heartbreaking to see entire neighborhoods emptied out, with only the echoes of fear lingering behind.

Governor Condemns Killings, Promises Justice

Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was in Kano State on Monday, didn’t mince words when he condemned the killings. He assured the public that justice would be served for the victims, and he announced that 14 suspects linked to the incident would be transferred to Abuja for further investigation. But here's the kicker: while in Kano, the governor also paid a visit to Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), showing that even in times of crisis, politics continues to play its part.

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This move by the governor is crucial. It sends a message that the state won't tolerate vigilantism, but it also raises questions. Why didn’t this level of attention come sooner? For years, residents have cried out for help against kidnappers and other criminals, but their pleas often fell on deaf ears. Now, with this tragedy, the government is finally stepping up—but is it too little, too late?

A Call for an Independent Investigation

In response to the growing unrest, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has demanded the establishment of an independent judicial panel to investigate the tragedy thoroughly. This isn't just about finding who's responsible for the killings; it's about uncovering the root causes of such violence and ensuring it doesn't happen again. The ACF wants answers, and rightfully so. These communities deserve closure and accountability.

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground is dire. Many Uromi residents have stopped going to their farms, opting instead to seek refuge in nearby towns. The fear of indiscriminate arrests and retaliation has left the community paralyzed, especially among the youth, who are fleeing en masse. It's like a ghost town out there, and it's devastating to witness.

Recounting the Mob Attack

A resident named Monday shared his account of the events leading up to the mob attack. According to him, the vigilante group received a tip-off from communities along Old Ilushi Road that the travelers had weapons in their vehicle. When the travelers reached Uromi, the vigilantes asked them to step down, but they refused. One of them even pulled out a knife, which set off the alarm. That’s when things spiraled out of control.

Though no one is justifying the killings, the reality is that those involved in the mob action have fled, leaving innocent people to bear the brunt of arrests. Take, for instance, the case of a man arrested on a GLK motorcycle near Opere Secondary School during a wedding ceremony on Saturday. He claimed he had no idea what had happened the previous day. Stories like this highlight the chaos and confusion gripping the area.

As of Monday noon, more arrests were made, further fueling the fear. "People are living in fear," Monday said. "This place has been terrorized by kidnappers, many believed to be herders and hunters from the north." He also recounted a recent kidnapping incident where a young woman was abducted right in front of her home on March 30. As of 2 p.m. that day, her abductors hadn't even contacted the family. It’s a chilling reminder of the dangers these communities face daily.

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Voice of the People

Many residents who spoke with Vanguard on condition of anonymity admitted that while they don’t condone mob justice, they believe the victims were suspected kidnappers, not hunters as widely reported. Another resident, Mr. Akhere, added, "No one supports mob justice, but these men were not hunters. Real hunters go with dogs. Our vigilantes have been tracking these suspected kidnappers. On that day, they boarded a truck near Ubiaja with guns and large amounts of cash. The mistake was not handing them over to the police. People here are frustrated; they’ve lost loved ones, they’ve suffered. The government has been slow to act."

Peter, another local, shared his cousin’s story. His cousin, who is part of the town’s security effort, had to flee when he returned and saw the wave of arrests. "Even though he wasn’t involved, he knew he might be targeted. Others have also left, fearing retaliation. We heard that there was panic in Ekpoma earlier today," Peter said. It’s clear that trust is broken, and people are desperate for solutions.

Ekpoma in Chaos Over Attack Rumors

In nearby Ekpoma, chaos erupted at the local market on Monday after rumors spread that Fulani herders were planning an attack. The false alarm caused motorists to make sudden U-turns and traders to flee. Thankfully, security personnel quickly intervened to calm the situation, but the damage was done. Fear had already taken hold, and it’s not easy to shake off.

For some, the recent violence is just the tip of the iceberg. Jenny Osajie, 30, recalled how her brother was kidnapped and murdered after the family failed to raise a ₦5 million ransom. "They boldly called us to pick up his dead body, and we found it exactly where they said. I’m a Christian, so I’ve left it to God. But the anger is real. We’ve been crying to the government for years—why did they only act now? Is it because of who the victims were?" she questioned.

As the days pass, the situation remains tense. The communities of Uromi and beyond are searching for answers, hoping for justice, and praying for peace. But until meaningful action is taken, the fear and frustration will continue to simmer beneath the surface.