Uromi Under Siege: Heavy Security Deployed After Mob Violence

Heavy Security Presence in Uromi After Deadly Mob Attack

The usually bustling streets of Uromi, the headquarters of Esan North-East Local Government Area in Edo State, now echo with the sound of boots on the ground. Security forces, including police, military personnel, and plainclothes operatives, have taken over key locations following last Thursday’s tragic mob killing of 16 northern travelers. The deployment is aimed at preventing any potential retaliatory violence, but the town is still tense, with residents grappling with fear and uncertainty.

As I walked through the area on Monday, it was clear that the atmosphere had changed. Many residents are now hesitant to speak openly, especially to strangers. The arrest of at least 14 individuals, picked up seemingly at random in connection with the killings, has only added to the anxiety. It’s like the town is holding its breath, waiting to see what comes next.

While some locals believe the recent surge in kidnappings in Edo Central and surrounding regions may have fueled the mob’s anger, most agree that taking the law into one’s own hands is never the answer. The situation is complex, and emotions are running high, but the message is clear: justice must be served, not taken.

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Federal CID Steps In to Investigate

In addition to the increased police and military presence, residents have reported seeing plainclothes security agents monitoring movements in the area. It’s a sign that the government is taking this situation seriously, but it’s also making people nervous. A commercial motorcyclist who initially agreed to speak to Vanguard quickly clammed up when asked about the killings. “I don’t work here, I work in Ekpoma. I only chose to work here today. I only heard of the incident when I came home,” he said, revealing the fear that now lingers in the air.

Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed that the Force Headquarters has taken over the investigation. “The Force Headquarters has taken over the investigation, so it is no longer in our hands. But our men are still on the ground to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order,” he stated. It’s a reassuring message, but the fear remains.

Banks and Businesses on Edge Amid Tensions

The uncertainty has also affected local businesses. Many banks and shops operated with skeletal staff last Friday after rumors of retaliatory attacks spread. A banker, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We will observe how things go today. Last Friday, some banks didn’t open at all, while others shut their doors early. If there’s any sign of trouble, we’ll close again. Security agencies are monitoring, but tension remains.”

The banker also recounted a harrowing incident from last year when the Head of Operations of a first-generation bank in Igueben was kidnapped and later found dead. “He was kidnapped and later found dead. Even the mortuary rejected the body because it had decomposed. That incident shook us. It explains, to some extent, the rage people feel. But jungle justice is never the answer,” the banker added. “These used to be peaceful areas, but now, many kidnappings go unreported. Some victims are even abducted from their own homes.”

Governor Okpebholo Steps In to Calm Tensions

Governor Monday Okpebholo has been actively trying to ease tensions in the region. He suspended the local vigilante head and visited the families of the victims, as well as the government of Kano State. However, fears persist among residents. “We don’t know when or how the reprisals may happen. That’s the most frightening part,” said Hope Osajie, a trader on New Agbor Road. “We’re hearing they might target villages, not towns—places like Agbede or Ewu. Security agencies must be more proactive.”

Locals Speak Out: The Victims Were Not Hunters

Amid the confusion, some residents are speaking out to clarify the events leading up to the tragedy. A resident near Uromi market insisted that the slain travelers were not hunters, contradicting earlier claims. “A driver coming from the east saw them loading guns into a truck and alerted the Ubiaja vigilantes. When they tried to stop the truck, the driver nearly ran them over. Vigilantes followed and tipped off the Uromi team, who intercepted the truck. While searching the vehicle, one of the occupants stabbed someone with a jackknife, and that’s what triggered the chaos,” the resident explained.

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Others blame the incident on long-standing government failure. “The government has failed in its duty to protect us. People are afraid to go to their farms. Some have been kidnapped from their homes,” said a man who identified himself as Idemudia. “We have cried and protested, but nothing changed. What happened last Thursday was the result of people’s frustration. Still, it doesn’t make what happened right.”