The recent tragedy that unfolded in Uromi casts a dark cloud over the land, bringing sorrow and deep reflection to its people. There is, and should never be, any justification for the taking of human lives. The sanctity of life is sacred, immutable, and should remain inviolable in every society. As Martin Luther King Jr. once stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The killings that transpired in Uromi are deeply condemnable, and no act of self-preservation should descend into such chaos and lawlessness. However, this tragic episode calls for an honest assessment of the deteriorating security situation that has plagued Esan land for nearly a decade.
For the past six to seven years, and particularly within the last two years, insecurity in Uromi and across Esan land has worsened to an alarming degree. The land that was once a haven of peace and communal coexistence has become a territory of fear, where kidnappings and violent crimes have become distressingly commonplace. Reports from credible sources, such as Truth Live News, consistently highlight the rising cases of abductions in Uromi, Ikeken, Ugboha, Ubiaja, Udo Ujogba, Igueben, and other communities that now live under the constant threat of terror from kidnappers lurking in the forests and farmlands.
The situation has been exacerbated by the unchecked activities of Fulani herders who have encroached upon the ancestral lands of Esan farmers, reducing once-thriving agricultural fields to wastelands. These herders, with brazen impunity, destroy crops, threaten farmers, and, in some cases, take lives without facing the full wrath of the law. Women have been subjected to heinous abuses, and entire communities now live in perpetual trepidation, wary of venturing beyond their immediate environments.
The fear of kidnapping after dusk has made simple journeys between Uromi and Ugboha, or even to Ilushi, an unnerving prospect, forcing people to abandon their farmlands and means of livelihood.
Growing up in Uromi, I recall the peaceful days of farming with my late father in Oria, near Ilushi, a few miles away from Uromi. That same land is now an inaccessible territory for many. Investigations reveal that entire villages have become ghost towns, with residents displaced by marauding criminal elements. The pressing question that must be asked is why this grim reality has been allowed to persist unchecked. For nearly a decade, the cries of Esan people have echoed through the corridors of power, yet neither the government nor security agencies have demonstrated the required urgency to address this crisis.
The turning point that brought national and international attention to Uromi was not the consistent, unprovoked killings of Esan farmers, nor the rampant kidnappings, but rather the recent incident involving the killing of northern “hunters” in the region. It is distressing that it took such an event for authorities to awaken to the plight of a people who have suffered immeasurable losses over the years. This tragic sequence of events, while condemnable, underscores the long-standing failure of governance in addressing fundamental security concerns.
It is estimated that over 200 innocent Esan indigenes have lost their lives to kidnappers within the last seven years. The destruction of farmlands has led to economic devastation, with losses amounting to hundreds of millions of Naira. Communities that once flourished agriculturally are now shadows of their former selves, with displaced farmers abandoning their trade out of fear. The consequence of this is not just economic stagnation but also an erosion of cultural heritage and communal sustenance.
While it is unacceptable for citizens to take the law into their own hands, one must ask: what alternatives remain when the institutions entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding lives and property fail repeatedly? The government, community leaders, and traditional rulers cannot absolve themselves of blame. They must take full responsibility for the present state of Esan land. John F. Kennedy once asserted, “The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.” The people of Esan have been deprived of their fundamental right to security and peace, and this must not be tolerated any longer.
The call for the apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the recent killings in Uromi is both necessary and justified. However, the response must not be limited to punitive measures alone. It must extend to proactive solutions aimed at restoring safety, rebuilding trust, and preventing further bloodshed. A sustainable security framework must be put in place, ensuring that Esan people no longer live in fear of being kidnapped, assaulted, or murdered on their own land.
The government must immediately deploy well-trained security forces to comb the forests and clear out the criminal networks that have turned these areas into sanctuaries of terror. These operations should be continuous and decisive, ensuring that all identified kidnappers are apprehended and prosecuted accordingly. Intelligence-led policing must be reinforced, with collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups to monitor and prevent criminal activities before they escalate.
Traditional rulers and community leaders must also rise to the occasion by prioritizing the security of their people over any political or financial gains. Allegations that some traditional rulers have compromised their authority by accepting settlements from invading Fulani herders must be thoroughly investigated. Those found culpable must face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
Furthermore, the Fulani herders who wish to live within Esan land must be compelled to integrate into the community rather than remaining isolated in the forests. The government should enforce policies that prohibit unauthorized occupation of farmlands and mandate structured settlement arrangements that promote coexistence rather than hostility.
Additionally, economic empowerment programs should be introduced to provide alternative sources of income to vulnerable youth who may otherwise be lured into criminal activities. Sustainable agricultural initiatives, vocational training, and local business development should be encouraged to revive the economic fortunes of Esan land and reduce dependency on external influences.
The sanctity of human life must remain paramount in every security discourse. There should be a renewed commitment to justice, equity, and the rule of law. The government must recognize that selective enforcement of security measures is detrimental to national unity. Esan people deserve the same level of security and protection as any other ethnic group within Nigeria.
Uromi, and Esan land in general, must not be left to endure the horrors of lawlessness any longer. The federal and state governments have a moral and constitutional obligation to prioritize the lives of citizens over political maneuverings. A decisive approach to security, backed by sincerity of purpose, will not only bring peace to Esan land but will also restore the people’s confidence in governance.
History will not be kind to those who stood by and watched as innocent lives were lost due to inaction. It is time to act decisively, not only to address the recent killings but to uproot the longstanding threat of insecurity that has plagued Esan land. The people must reclaim their right to live without fear, to farm without threat, and to exist without the constant dread of falling victim to anarchy. The hour of justice, security, and restoration is now.
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.