By Parrot Newspaper Uromi Mob Killing : Fear of Reprisal, Exodus from Town and Environs
Fear, Uncertainty Grip Uromi After Mob Killing of 16 Travellers
Tensions Rise as Residents Flee Uromi Over Security Crackdown
The once-bustling communities along Old Ilushi Road, Opere, and Good Will Junction in Uromi, Edo State, have become ghost towns following the brutal lynching of 16 travellers last Thursday. Fear of reprisals and mass arrests by security agents has driven residents away, leaving farms and markets deserted.
Edo Governor Vows Justice Amid Rising Anxieties
Governor Monday Okpebholo, while visiting Kano State, assured the public that justice would be served. He met with Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) and confirmed that 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killings would soon be transferred to Abuja for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for an independent judicial panel to ensure transparency in the probe, amid rising ethnic and political tensions.
What Led to the Mob Attack? Residents Speak Out
The tragic incident, according to residents, was sparked by an alert received by local vigilantes about suspicious travellers carrying weapons. A local named Monday explained that when the vigilantes stopped the travellers, they resisted, leading to an altercation.
> “One of them pulled a knife, which led to panic. People accused them of being kidnappers, and the situation spiraled out of control,” he recounted.
While condemning the mob action, residents argue that their communities have long suffered from unchecked kidnappings, mostly linked to criminal elements posing as hunters and herders.
Fear of Reprisal: Exodus from Uromi and Environs
As security forces intensify arrests, many young men have fled Uromi. The fear is not just about being linked to the killings, but also potential retaliatory attacks. A resident, Peter, shared how his cousin, known for helping secure the community, had to flee after seeing innocent people being arrested.
Ongoing Kidnappings Deepen the Crisis
Despite the ongoing crackdown, kidnappings persist. On Sunday, March 30, 2025, a young lady was abducted right in front of her home. As of Monday afternoon, her captors had yet to make any ransom demands.
Residents insist that security agencies have failed to curb the menace of kidnapping, which has plagued Uromi and neighboring areas for years.
Panic in Ekpoma Over Rumored Invasion
The fear of reprisal spread beyond Uromi. Yesterday, Ekpoma Market witnessed a wave of panic as rumors circulated that armed Fulani groups were planning to attack the town. Motorists made frantic U-turns, and traders shut down their stalls. Security forces were swiftly deployed to restore calm, but the unease remains.
Government’s Slow Response to a Long-Standing Threat
While the Edo State government has condemned the killings, residents argue that the authorities have been slow to address the root cause—rampant kidnapping. A local, Mr. Akhere, emphasized that the failure of the government to take decisive action against criminal elements is fueling civilian frustration and vigilantism.
> “Yes, we condemn jungle justice, but our people have suffered for too long. The government must act fast before things spiral further out of control.”
What Next for Uromi?
The tension in Uromi is far from over. As security agents continue their clampdown, residents remain on edge, uncertain about what the coming days will bring.
Will the government’s promise of justice restore peace, or will the fear of reprisals lead to further unrest? For now, Uromi remains in a state of fear, waiting for answers.