On March 23rd, a tragic incident occurred in Uromi community, Edo State, where 16 Hausa-Fulani travelers were mobbed and killed by a vigilante group. The reason behind this attack was partly because the travelers were found with arms and couldn’t provide a tangible explanation regarding their identity or purpose in the community. They claimed to be hunters and travelers en route to Kano from Port Harcourt, although the vigilante associated them with Fulani-herdsmen
This raises several questions. What is the possibility of a group of hunters traveling all the way to Port Harcourt with arms to hunt? Were there no more forests to hunt up north?
While the killing of the travelers is a heinous crime and condemnable, it’s also important to consider the circumstances that led to this tragic incident. The people of Edo State had previously experienced a surge in insecurity issues, including kidnapping and herdsmen attacks. The vigilante group acted in defense of their community.
A similar scenario has been playing out in Benue State, particularly in Otukpo and other communities. Despite the loss of several lives, no state of emergency has been declared, and residents have taken to the streets to protest. The lack of deployment of security personnel to the affected communities has left people fleeing their homes and living in perpetual fear.
In 2018, the same state conducted a mass burial due to similar attacks. More recently, on March 25, 2025, a young lady named Esther Osaze was allegedly abducted and killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Delta State.
Read story here:https://punchng.com/abducted-delta-female-land-agent-found-dead/
The pattern of violence and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region, is alarming. For years, communities have suffered attacks from Fulani herdsmen, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacement of people.
On June 5, 2022, a devastating attack occurred at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where gunmen stormed the church, killing at least 41 people and injuring many more. This incident, like many others, highlights the need for greater security measures and accountability in Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has been criticized for its handling of these conflicts. The swift response to the killing of the 16 Hausa-Fulani travelers, compared to the lack of action in similar attacks in other regions, raises questions about the government’s priorities and intentions.
The value placed on human life in Nigeria is also a concern. In some parts of the country, a person’s life seems to be worth less than that of a cow.
Watch video here :https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18sngN3JZo/
According to a report by Punch, in November 2022, Fulani herdsmen attacked communities in Isi Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, killing 13 persons over four days. In another incident, gunmen killed three policemen at a checkpoint in Agbani, Nkanu West LGA. Furthermore, at Ebebe Junction, Abakaliki, gunmen ambushed Ebonyi State Ebubeagu agents, killing two and injuring several civilians.
The evil activities of Fulani herdsmen have been ongoing in various parts of the South East. In July 2020, a report by Vanguard highlighted the invasion of farmlands by Fulani herdsmen in the region. The herdsmen, accompanied by their cattle, would recklessly destroy crops, and in some cases, violently attack and kill farmers who dared to question them. These incidents have been reported in Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi, with the Federal Government’s emphasis on agriculture seemingly ignored.
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According to EJ Akonye, it’s estimated that over 10,000 deaths have resulted from herdsmen attacks across the South East and other zones between January 2016 and 2019.
The Nigerian government’s response to these conflicts has been inadequate. The people are crying out for help, but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Instead, the government seems to prioritize the interests of the Fulani herdsmen over those of the affected communities.
The threat of revenge by Fulani groups against southerners living in the north is alarming. It’s hypocritical that these groups are demanding justice for the 16 Hausa-Fulani travelers while ignoring the thousands of lives lost to herdsmen attacks in other regions.
Is the Nigerian government in on this? What stakes do these Fulani herdsmen have that makes them valued much more? Do the thousand of other victims not deserve justice? Why has the Nigerian government refused to take responsibility for protecting the lives of all its citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or region. The time for excuses and biased actions is over. It’s time for the government to act decisively and bring an end to the violence and insecurity plaguing the nation.
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[…] stated that “We know how to sneak into Uromi and take revenge ourselves if justice is not served. This is not a threat; it is a promise. We have buried too many of our own, and we cannot continue like this. We are hunters, not cowards. […]