In recent months, Esanland has been under relentless siege by the terrorist group infamously known as the killer Fulani herdsmen. Their nefarious activities have resurfaced with devastating consequences, leaving a trail of bloodshed, destruction, and sorrow across our once-peaceful communities.
Particularly in Ugboha, Uromi, Ewohimi, Ewoato, Emu, and several smaller villages, these assailants have unleashed terror, reducing thriving communities to havens of fear and desolation. Reports from these areas paint a grim picture of innocent residents being slaughtered, women and young girls raped, and families torn apart by the barbaric acts of these invaders. Fathers, brothers, and sons have fallen victim to their ruthless attacks, while mothers, sisters, and daughters endure unspeakable atrocities.
The Uromi-Ugboha road, once a vital artery of commerce and social life, has now become a death trap. Kidnappings and killings are rampant, rendering movement along this route a perilous endeavor. Farmers, the backbone of Esanland’s economy, can no longer access their farmlands for fear of being ambushed and butchered. The result is a looming food crisis, with businesses paralyzed and livelihoods crushed.
The situation has reached a critical point, and we can no longer remain silent. The people of Esanland are crying out for justice, protection, and the restoration of peace. The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, must rise to the occasion. As the state’s Chief Security Officer, the governor has a constitutional and moral obligation to safeguard the lives and properties of the Indigenous people of Esanland.
Renowned journalist and broadcaster Rufai Oseni recently published a distressing letter on his X handle from a resident of Ugboha crying for help. He wrote:
“From my mailbox
My hometown, Ugboha, is seriously under siege of the herdsmen, killing, raping, kidnapping my people. We cannot sleep with our eyes closed there again. We cannot go to farms anymore. Uromi – Ugboha road has become a no-go area as kidnapping and killings are a daily occurrence on that road. No business activities going on again. Life is at a hopeless state there now.
Ugboha is in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.”
As an Esan man, I am concerned and pained that this insecurity we have been fighting for many years, which seemed to have been checked at some point, is now resurfacing even stronger. We cannot afford to let history repeat itself.
Former U.S. President John F. Kennedy once said, “The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.” Likewise, the renowned Nelson Mandela stated, “Safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment.”
We urge the government to take immediate and decisive action to deploy adequate security forces, establish security checkpoints, and support local vigilantes to complement state efforts. Swift prosecution of apprehended criminals must be ensured to deter others, and a long-term strategy must be implemented to prevent future incursions.
We will not stand by and watch our land overrun by murderers and rapists. The time for action is now! The people of Esanland demand security, justice, and peace before it is too late. We urge the government to heed this call and take urgent steps to reclaim our homeland from these marauders.
Enough is enough! We will not be silent while our people perish. The blood of the innocent cries out for justice!
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray is a Journalist, fellow of the British College of Journalism, Human Resource Management Expert (CIPD), PhD student in International Politics and Conflicts Resolution, Sociopolitical Rights Activist and Publisher of Truth Live News, writes from London, England.