No More Silence about Insecurity in Uromi: 7-Day Open Letter, Protesting Insecurity in Esanland and Nigeria, Day 3
Today, Monday, March 31, marks Day 3 of our 7-day Letter of Protest Against Insecurity in Esanland and Nigeria. We issue an urgent and unwavering call to both the Nigerian Federal and Edo State government: it is time to act. The escalating insecurity demands immediate, decisive action and the implementation of lasting solutions to protect the lives and well-being of every citizen.
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The 7 protest letters are written by Obehi Ewanfoh, a Nigerian writer and a member of the African diaspora community in Italy. The 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 of Esanland.
In today’s letter—and in those to follow in the coming days—we present a bold 10-point action plan. These are the vital steps we believe are crucial to restoring safety, stability, and hope to Esanland. The time for change is not tomorrow—it is today. Our people cannot wait any longer.
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.
This is a cry born of desperation—a cry for the lives, livelihoods, and dignity of our people. As we sit here in Verona, Italy, hundreds of miles away from our homeland, we are overwhelmed with a deep sense of helplessness as we read the daily reports from Uromi and the surrounding communities.
Yet, we cannot remain silent. We write this letter not only as sons and daughters of Esanland but as Nigerians who believe that every citizen has the fundamental right to live in peace and security.
Today, we stand in solidarity with those whose voices have been silenced by fear—those who endure violence, terror, and poverty, all at the hands of the rampant insecurity that has consumed our communities.
For too long, the people of Uromi and the wider Esanland region in Edo State have been under siege. Kidnappings, killings, and violent attacks have become part of daily life.
Local farmers can no longer work their land without fear of being abducted by armed criminals. The very heart of Esanland, once a vibrant agricultural region that contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economy, is now suffocated by violence and terror.
People are being forced into hiding, their economic activities destroyed, and their very survival is at risk. The silence from our leaders is deafening, and the suffering is intolerable.
The Suffering In Essan In The Hands Of Kidnappers
The suffering of the people in Esanland has reached unbearable levels, as reported by Daily Post in an article addressing the growing wave of kidnappings in Edo State. The people of Esan South-East, in particular, have become prime targets for criminal gangs who operate with ruthless impunity.
Kidnappers now strike both day and night, instilling widespread fear and forcing the local population to live under constant threat.
Those who had returned home to establish small businesses are now being kidnapped on a daily basis, with many falling victim to violent deaths when they cannot meet the hefty financial demands of their captors.
Some victims have even had their body parts sold to buyers, further deepening the horror. Business activities in the region have all but ground to a halt, as people are too fearful to leave their homes and go about their livelihoods, resulting in severe economic hardship.
In response to this escalating crisis, the Edo State House of Assembly, through a motion moved by Sunny Ojiezele, APC representative for Esan South-East, has called for urgent reforms in the security sector.
The Assembly has appealed to the heads of security agencies to transfer personnel who have been stationed in a particular location for over five years, believing that a change of guard may help address the security lapses.
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The House has urged the state government to mobilize security forces to comb the forests across the state, not just in the Edo Central Senatorial district, to flush out kidnappers. They also called for traditional rulers to reside within their communities to better provide leadership and enhance security.
Despite these appeals, the situation in Esanland remains dire, with the people continuing to suffer from the relentless violence and insecurity.
We, therefore, call on you, Mr. President, and you, Governor Okpebholo, to help end the reign of terror in Esanland. We have seen enough; we can no longer remain passive observers while our people suffer.
This letter is not just a complaint, it is a demand for action—swift, decisive, and effective action to restore peace and security in our homeland.
The Security Crisis In Esanland And The Role Of Fulani
Following a tragic incident in Uromi on Thursday, March 27, in which 16 Northerners lost their lives due to the escalating security challenges in Esan, the situation has taken a new turn. For the first time, both the federal and state governments are now more actively involved, in stark contrast to the previous neglect the Esan people have endured.
The Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM), a prominent socio-cultural group, has strongly condemned the actions of alleged Fulani men recently apprehended in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, who were found carrying firearms.
See also End the Reign of Terror in Esanland: A Plea for the Nigerian Federal and State Intervention
In a statement signed by Elder Curtis Ugbo and Comrade Osayande Goodluck, the President and Secretary of the group, respectively, the BSM raised serious questions about the motives behind this incident. While the group condemned the practice of jungle justice, they expressed deep concern over the political manipulation of what is fundamentally a security issue.
The BSM challenged those supporting the actions of the armed men to provide clear explanations: Why were they carrying firearms into Uromi? Was this not a premeditated plan to invade Uromi and its surrounding communities?
The group also questioned whether a truck used to transport these gunmen was a passenger vehicle, and why the individuals refused to submit to a search, resorting to violence by stabbing one of the vigilantes.
The BSM called for accountability from politicians who might be fueling the crisis, urging them to stop making inflammatory statements and instead support investigations into the possible links between these gunmen and the kidnappers and bandits wreaking havoc across the state.
The people of Esanland, particularly those in Uromi, have been living under constant siege, with escalating incidents of kidnappings for ransom, violent robberies, and brutal killings.
Uromi Now A Shadow Of Its Past
Once a thriving town, Uromi now stands as a shadow of its former self, as local businesses close and farmers abandon their fields in fear of abduction. These kidnappers show no regard for age or status—children, the elderly, and young adults alike have all become victims of these criminal gangs.
Armed with sophisticated weapons, these criminals exhibit unprecedented brutality, and the authorities’ failure to effectively combat this wave of terror has left the citizens of Esanland vulnerable.
In rural communities, the situation is even more dire. Farmers, who are the backbone of the region’s economy, can no longer tend to their crops or livestock without the constant fear of violence or abduction, leading to a significant decline in food production.
This crisis is reverberating far beyond Esanland, affecting the entire state of Edo and Nigeria at large. According to a 2023 Reuters report, kidnapping for ransom has become one of the most widespread and dangerous crimes in Nigeria, with rural areas like Esanland bearing the brunt.
In 2023 alone, over 3,000 kidnapping cases were recorded across the country, displacing countless families and leaving entire communities in ruin.
According to The Africa Report, Gunmen kidnapped at least 3,620 people across Nigeria between July 2022 and June 2023 with a ransom demand totalling over N5bn ($6.5m).
The economic toll of this violence is staggering. According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s economy lost over $18 billion in 2023 alone due to insecurity in its agricultural sector. With Esanland being one of Nigeria’s key agricultural regions, this violence is not only affecting local farmers but also contributing to national food insecurity and inflation.
The Cost of Inaction
Mr. President, Governor Okpebholo, the consequences of inaction are too great to ignore. Every day that passes without intervention brings us closer to a full-blown crisis. The local economy in Esanland is crumbling.
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Thousands of families are being pushed into artificial poverty as they are unable to work or provide for themselves. Rural areas are rapidly becoming ghost towns, with people fleeing in droves for fear of their lives.
The ripple effects of this insecurity extend beyond Esanland. As local production grinds to a halt, food shortages worsen, and the price of agricultural products skyrockets.
This does not just affect Esanland—it impacts all Nigerians. This violence is pushing us to the brink of economic collapse, and if it is not addressed urgently, the repercussions will be felt for generations to come.
Our Call to Action: The 10-Point Solution
It is with a deep sense of urgency and responsibility that we propose the following 10-point action plan to address the security crisis in Esanland.
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These recommendations are not just idealistic—they are the practical and necessary steps that must be taken immediately to bring peace back to our people.
- 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 to Action
Mr. President, Governor Okpebholo, the people of Esanland cannot wait any longer. The time to act is now. The lives of our people, the security of our region, and the future of our country are at stake.
We, the diaspora, stand in solidarity with the people of Esanland. We demand action. We demand justice. We demand peace.
Let us not allow the cries of Esanland to be ignored any longer. Let us come together—federal and state governments, security agencies, and the people of Esanland—to put an end to this reign of terror.
We wish for lasting peace and security to prevail in Esanland and throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Obehi Ewanfoh,
A member of the Nigerian/African diaspora community in Italy.
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