End the Reign of Terror in Esanland: Day 2 of 21-Day Open Letter, Protesting Insecurity in Esanland and Nigeria
Today, Sunday, March 30, marks Day 2 of our 21-day Letter of Protest Against Insecurity in Esanland and Nigeria. We are calling for urgent intervention from both the Nigerian federal and state governments to take decisive action and implement lasting solutions.
Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Framework.
The 21 protest letters were written by Obehi Ewanfoh, a Nigerian writer and the founder of a socio-cultural Non-profit organization based in Verona, Italy. These letters are a direct response to the intensifying security crisis in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the devastating impact it is having on his homeland, Esanland.
In today’s letter—and in those that will follow in the coming days—we present a 10-point action plan. These are the crucial steps we believe are necessary to restore safety, stability, and hope to Esanland. The time for change is now.
We understand that in light of the tragic incident in Uromi on Thursday, March 27, which resulted in the deaths of 16 Northerners due to ongoing security challenges, Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has called for calm. He emphasized that “The state government is committed to fostering peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups in the state.”
Edo State, said the Deputy Governor, belongs to everyone, regardless of their state of origin or religious background.
However, in a separate development, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has given Edo State a 14-day ultimatum to compensate the families of the alleged northern hunters involved in the incidents.
Meanwhile, the people of Uromi and Esanland remain in fear, particularly since Governor Monday Okpebholo suspended various Vigilante Groups across the state yesterday, March 29th.
Today’s Letter Of Protest Against Insecurity in Esanland
To:
His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Federal Republic of Nigeria,
His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, Edo State, Nigeria.
A Cry from the Heart of Esanland: The Time to Act is Now
Imagine waking up each day not knowing if you’ll make it home safely. Imagine a community torn apart by fear, where the once-thriving bond of unity has disintegrated under the weight of relentless violence.
This is the horrifying reality faced by the people of Esanland, particularly in Uromi, where the reign of terror, characterized by kidnappings and violent attacks, has transformed daily life into an unrelenting nightmare.
Esanland, once known for its vibrant culture, agricultural prosperity, and close-knit communities, is now paralyzed by fear. It is a tragedy that demands urgent attention.
As Nigerians in the diaspora, we write this open letter not only as individuals deeply concerned for our homeland, but as a collective community of Nigerians increasingly distressed by the escalating crisis in Esanland.
See also The Origin Of Uromi And Esanland, Nigeria (Agba: The Esan God Of War, 1)
The violence, primarily driven by kidnappings for ransom and attacks alleged by Fulani herders, is no longer a localized issue; it has morphed into a national emergency that demands the immediate intervention of both the federal and state governments. The time for decisive action has long passed. This is not just a matter of security; it is a matter of survival for the people of Esanland.
In a chilling report by The Guardian on March 26, 2025, titled “Herdsmen Unleash Mayhem in Edo Community, Kill One, Scores Injured,” the terrifying situation in Ukhun Community, Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State, was revealed. A distressing video captured an unidentified narrator frantically pleading for help:
“Situation report, situation report. This is Ukhun Community in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. We are under attack. Ukhun Kingdom is under attack. Fulani herdsmen have blocked the road. They killed Mr. Dan, an Igbira man living in Ukhun, in the bush this morning, and we are still searching for others who are missing. We need government support, we need rescue. Please, anyone who can help, we are reporting live from Ukhun, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. This is a situation report.”
Reports indicate that the attackers, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, ambushed local farmers on their way to work in the bush, attempting to kidnap them. The violence has left one person dead, and several others injured, with many still missing. The community is in urgent need of government intervention and assistance to end the ongoing terror.
In another article, way back on 11th January 2018, a Punch article has it as followed “Five herdsmen attacks that shocked Nigerians”.
“A grandmother, Victoria Akinseye, was raped in August 2017 by two herdsmen while working on her farm in Ore, Odigbo council area of Ondo State.
Narrating the incident to newsmen, the 72-year-old had said, “I was working on my farm when two men attacked me from behind, held my neck such that I couldn’t ask for help. They tore my clothes and took turns to rape me.”
She said a fellow farmer saw her where the herdsmen had abandoned her after the rape and took her home.
“In October 2017, two Fulani herdsmen, Umar and Musa Ali, who are brothers, were arrested in Nasarawa State for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl at Tudun Lambaga in the Eggon Hills area, Eggon Local Government Area of the state,” said the article.
The Terrifying Reality: A Region Under Siege
As reported by Reuters on March 28, 2023, “Kidnapping for ransom and violence linked to Fulani herders have escalated into a widespread and deepening crisis in Nigeria, exacerbating insecurity, displacement, and fueling inter-ethnic tensions throughout the country.”
This grim reality rings painfully true for the people of Esanland, where each day brings new reports of families torn apart by abductions, violent clashes, and the ever-present threat of death.
In Uromi and the surrounding towns, the once-fertile lands, which local farmers depended on for their livelihoods, have been turned into battlegrounds. The fear of encountering kidnappers on the way to work is ever-present, and the economic impact has been devastating.
Over 200 people, according to some sources have been abducted from the region in the past few years alone, with ransoms often reaching crippling amounts. What began as isolated attacks has now evolved into an organized and escalating wave of violence.
Local law enforcement is facing increasing challenges in addressing the surge of criminal activity, with some offenders heavily armed. As a result, the situation has become increasingly untenable.
The consequences are catastrophic. The disruption of agricultural activities—the backbone of Esanland’s economy—has led to widespread poverty, food insecurity, and economic collapse in some places.
Families that once thrived from their farmlands are now hiding in fear, unable to farm, trade, or sustain their communities. Esanland’s agricultural economy, once a pillar of prosperity, is now teetering on the edge of collapse.
The Human Toll: Fear, Displacement, and Loss of Life
Beyond the economic devastation, the human cost of this crisis cannot be overstated. Families are losing loved ones to kidnappers and violent assailants. The fear of violence has caused mass displacement, with many seeking refuge in towns and villages where they once felt like strangers.
Children no longer feel safe going to school, farmers dare not tend to their fields, and traders are hesitant to open their businesses. The social and economic fabric of Esanland is unraveling, and its people are suffering immeasurably.
These victims are not faceless statistics—they are mothers, fathers, children, and elders whose lives have been irrevocably altered by this violence.
In a 2019 article titled “How Vigilante Group Rescued Five Kidnapped Victims in Edo”, published by Daily Post, the victims shared their harrowing experiences: “As soon as they marched us into the bush, they immediately took our phones, ordered us into the forest, and abandoned our vehicle on the highway.”
It was reported that upon hearing of the kidnappings, the local village vigilante group quickly mobilized and launched a search through the dense forest areas between Egoro NaOka, Urohi, Opoji, Ebudin, and Ekpoma. The victims were ultimately rescued during this effort.
Anuge Henry, a member of the vigilante group, stated, “The operation lasted the entire night as we combed through the forest. After significant effort, the five victims were successfully rescued. However, two of them sustained bullet wounds during an exchange of gunfire with the kidnappers, and they are currently receiving treatment at a government hospital.”
See also First Ladyship, Oshiomhole, and Garrulous Sacrilege By Austin Isikhuemen
Attempts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, were unsuccessful, as repeated calls and a text message sent to his phone went unanswered at the time of filing the report.
The government’s silence in the face of the victims’ suffering only deepens their trauma. We therefore urge President Tinubu and the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday, to heed their cries and take immediate action before this crisis escalates further out of control.
The Need for Immediate Intervention
The failure of the government to act decisively in the face of this growing crisis has emboldened criminals and destabilized local communities. This insecurity is no longer just a law-and-order issue—it is a major barrier to sustainable development in Esanland and Edo State.
Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s most vital sectors, contributing approximately 23% to the country’s GDP. In Esanland, where farming has become a perilous occupation, the region’s agricultural productivity is under serious threat.
If the federal and state governments do not intervene urgently, the consequences will ripple far beyond Esanland, undermining national food security, economic growth, and employment.
You might also like Obidient4ai Crusade Rolls Out To Edo Central By Austin Isikhuemen
The time for action is now. We cannot afford to wait any longer.
Our 10-Point Recommendations for Immediate Action
In light of the worsening situation in Esanland, we, the concerned Nigerians in the diaspora, offer the following 10-point plan to address the insecurity in the region. These measures are designed to restore peace, stability, and hope to Uromi and other affected towns in Esanland:
- Establish a Military Base in Uromi
We urgently request the federal government to establish a military base in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, to serve as a strategic point for responding to security threats in the entire region. This permanent military presence would help to deter criminal activities, provide rapid response capabilities, and restore a sense of security to local communities. - Strengthen Police Presence and Infrastructure
The government should increase the number of police officers stationed in Uromi and surrounding towns. Adequate training, resources, and equipment should be provided to enhance their ability to respond to emergencies effectively. Regular police patrols, especially during vulnerable hours, will help to deter criminals and reassure residents of their safety. - Empower and Equip Local Vigilante Groups
We recommend increased support for local vigilante groups, such as the Esan Youth Awareness. These groups play a crucial role in grassroots security efforts and should be empowered through funding, training, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to improve intelligence gathering and crime prevention. - Implement Community Policing Initiatives
Strengthen community policing efforts by recruiting and training local youth to assist in the policing of their own communities. This would foster trust between law enforcement and residents, ensuring more effective crime reporting, prevention, and swift response to incidents. Community engagement is key to addressing local concerns and rebuilding trust. - Deploy Surveillance Infrastructure
We recommend the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations across Uromi and other key towns, such as marketplaces, major roads, and public spaces. This would help monitor criminal activity, provide evidence for investigations, and act as a deterrent to potential offenders. - Launch Public Awareness and Safety Campaigns
A public awareness campaign is needed to educate residents about safety measures, emergency response protocols, and the importance of reporting suspicious activities. This campaign should be conducted through schools, religious centers, and community meetings, encouraging local communities to play an active role in securing their environment. - Ensure Swift and Fair Judicial Action
We call for the swift and fair trial of individuals implicated in criminal activities, especially those involved in kidnapping and violent crimes. A transparent judicial system that holds perpetrators accountable will act as a deterrent to others and restore the confidence of the public in the rule of law. - Create Safe Grazing Grounds for Herdsmen
To minimize conflicts between farmers and herders, we urge the establishment of designated grazing grounds for cattle herders. This would reduce the risk of herders invading farmlands, damaging crops, and causing tensions with local farmers, thus promoting peaceful coexistence between different groups in the region. - Increase Forest Patrols to Combat Kidnapping and Illicit Activities
We recommend increased patrols of the forests surrounding Esanland, which are currently being used as hideouts for criminals involved in kidnapping and other illicit activities. These patrols should be led by both local law enforcement and military units to secure the forests, protect residents, and ensure that agricultural activities can resume without fear of attack. - Foster Collaboration Among All Ethnic Groups
To avoid exacerbating ethnic tensions, we urge the government to ensure that all communities, including non-indigenous populations, collaborate with security forces to identify and remove criminal elements. Cooperation from all ethnic groups is necessary to ensure that Esanland remains a peaceful place where everyone, irrespective of origin, can thrive in safety.
Conclusion: A Call for Action and Accountability
Mr. President, Governor Okpebholo, the time to act is now. The people of Esanland can no longer afford to wait. The violence, fear, and instability must be addressed before they destroy the very fabric of our society.
The situation in Esanland cannot be ignored any longer. It is time for both the federal and state governments to intervene and bring an end to the reign of terror that has gripped our people.
See also The British Colonial Invasion Of Uromi in 1901 (Agba: The Esan God Of War, 4)
We urge you to take immediate action and implement these recommendations to restore peace and security to Esanland.
The people of Esanland deserve to live in safety and dignity, and it is your duty to make that a reality. The future of our people—and our nation—depends on the actions you take today.
Sincerely,
Obehi Ewanfoh
and other Concerned Nigerians in the Diaspora
Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Framework.
