Stand With Esan People Against Kidnapping: 7-Day Open Letter, Protesting Insecurity in Esanland and Nigeria, Day 4
Today, Tuesday, April 1st, marks Day 4 of our 7-day open letter of protest—a call from a group of Nigerians in the diaspora to both the federal and Edo state governments to do the needful against insecurity in the land. It is time for us to unite urgently and resolutely to tackle the growing insecurity that jeopardizes the lives, livelihoods, and future of the people of Esanland, Edo State.
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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.
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.
The situation in Uromi and surrounding communities has reached a breaking point, where fear now governs daily life, and economic activities are coming to a standstill.
Why You Need to Stand With the Esan People of Edo State, Nigeria, Against Kidnapping
In a publication by NewsExpress yesterday, March 31st, “The state of security in Esan land: A call to action”, Gabriel O. Elabor, the Ordinary of the Anglican Diocese of Esan, highlights the growing insecurity in Esanland, which has reached alarming levels due to violence from Fulani herdsmen, political neglect, and a culture of impunity.
He calls for immediate action from the government to protect the people and ensure justice for victims of violence. He condemns both the jungle justice meted out to the accused criminals and the government’s failure to adequately address the security crisis. Elabor urges the people of Esan to remain united and calls on leaders to prioritize the safety of their citizens above political concerns.
Over the years, it has become clear that the people of Esanland are no longer simply facing challenges; they are under siege.
Kidnappings, violent attacks, and murders have become an alarming daily reality, with innocent citizens, especially farmers, being ruthlessly targeted on the very land that once symbolized prosperity and self-sufficiency.
Entire communities are now forced into hiding, living in constant fear and struggling to survive under the ever-present threat of violence.
This wave of insecurity has not only sparked a humanitarian crisis but has also triggered an economic catastrophe. Vast stretches of once-productive farmland now lie abandoned, and local economies have been decimated, leaving many without a means to make a living.
Today, on the fourth day of our 7-Day Open Letter, protesting the insecurity plaguing Esanland and Nigeria, our message is clear and resolute: immediate action is crucial to restore peace, protect our people, and steer Esanland towards a future of stability and sustainable development. The time to act is now. Stand with the Esan people.
The Reality on the Ground: The Crisis in Esanland
As reported by BusinessDay, the Edo State Security Corps has made notable progress in addressing the increasing wave of kidnappings in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area. Responding to numerous complaints from residents about the growing frequency of abductions, the security forces successfully apprehended three young men involved in a recent kidnapping attempt.
The breakthrough came after a distress call from Mrs. Ufuha Rita, who had been targeted by the kidnappers. Retired Commissioner of Police and Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin (now relieved of his duty), explained that his team was on routine patrol and bush combing in Esanland when they received the call.
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Mrs. Rita hid in a bush to escape her captors, and her identification of the suspects helped lead to their swift arrest. Ibadin emphasized that the operation was a direct response to the escalating security concerns in Esanland.
Ibadin also issued a stark warning to criminals operating in Edo State, asserting that their activities would no longer be tolerated. “Edo will be too hot for them unless they relocate to another state,” he stated.
The three arrested suspects will be handed over to the police for further investigation. This arrest is part of a broader effort to tackle the widespread kidnappings and other criminal activities plaguing the region.
Ibadin’s team has been actively mobilized in response to growing complaints, and the successful operation following Mrs. Rita’s distress call underscores their continued commitment to securing the safety of Esanland residents.
The insecurity in Esanland is not only a local issue but part of a wider national crisis. Uromi, once the heart of Esanland’s agricultural economy, has been severely impacted by these criminal activities.
Farmers, who once cultivated crops like cassava, yams, and maize, are now too afraid to work their land due to the constant threat of kidnapping. This shift has had devastating economic consequences, as the agricultural sector—the backbone of the local economy—has been crippled.
See also Urgent Call to Action: Open Letter Protesting Insecurity in Esanland and Nigeria
Beyond the immediate loss of life, this crisis has led to widespread displacement, with families fleeing their homes and livelihoods.
Edo State Government Demolishes Houses Linked to Kidnappers in Ekpoma
In a decisive move to combat rising criminal activities in Edo State, the Edo State Government (EDSG) has commenced demolitions of houses suspected to be linked to kidnappers in Ekpoma, Uromi, and surrounding areas.
As reported by Tribune Online on March 5, 2025, the demolitions are part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of citizens and curb the growing menace of kidnapping in the region.
The operation, which took place in the Illeh village of Ekpoma, was led by Mr. Akhere Paul, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, who emphasized that the exercise was carried out in full accordance with state law.
Mr. Paul highlighted that the Edo State Government is fully committed to securing the lives and properties of its people. He reaffirmed that under the leadership of Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, any property used for criminal activities, including kidnapping, would not be tolerated.
He further explained that one of the demolished properties had been used as a hideout for criminals, where kidnapped victims were kept.
During a raid by the Nigerian Police Force, dangerous weapons were recovered from the location, underscoring the severity of the crime. Paul also referenced a new law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly, which mandates the demolition of any house found to be used for kidnapping activities.
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The demolitions serve not only as an immediate security measure but also as a deterrent to those who might consider using their properties for illegal purposes. Mr. Paul urged property owners to be vigilant and ensure that they thoroughly vet potential tenants, warning that any property found to be involved in criminal activities would face the full force of the law.
Our 10-Point Call for Immediate Action
For the sake of the people of Esanland, it is time to stop waiting for change—it is time to make change happen. In this letter, we offer the following ten concrete recommendations to address the insecurity and bring lasting peace to 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. This strategic location will serve as a deterrent to criminal activities and provide a rapid response mechanism for both law enforcement and military personnel. - Increase Police Patrols and Presence
We call for a significant increase in police patrols, especially in rural and farming communities. Regular patrols will help restore some semblance of order, deter criminal activities, and reassure the public that their safety is being prioritized. - Strengthen Community Policing Initiatives
Community policing is a critical solution in the fight against insecurity. We recommend the recruitment and training of local youth to join law enforcement efforts, ensuring that security personnel understand the unique needs of their communities and can respond swiftly to threats. - Establishment of State Police in Nigeria
As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen security and ensure the safety of all citizens, we recommend the establishment of state police in Nigeria. This will better address the evolving security challenges in Esanland and across the nation, providing more localized and effective responses to security issues. - Deploy Surveillance Infrastructure
The installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations across Uromi and other Esan communities will help in crime prevention and the identification of perpetrators. Monitoring critical areas like marketplaces, roads, and schools will deter criminals and offer evidence to prosecute offenders. - Launch Public Awareness Campaigns
We recommend launching widespread safety campaigns in local schools, churches, and community centers. Educating residents on safety practices, emergency response, and the importance of reporting suspicious activities will empower the community to take action against criminals. - Judicial Accountability and Speedy Trials
In addition to preventing crime, swift and fair trials for those implicated in criminal activities must be a priority. Convictions must be executed promptly to serve as a deterrent and to restore the public’s trust in the justice system. - Secure Grazing Grounds for Cattle Herders
We recommend that grazing grounds be designated to prevent cattle herders from invading farmland, causing destruction to crops, and leading to conflicts. This will not only reduce tension but will also promote peace and cooperation between herders and farmers. - Regular Forest Patrols
We ask the government to deploy patrols to monitor and secure the forests in Esanland. These forests have become hiding places for criminals who use them for kidnapping and other illicit activities. Securing these forests is essential to restoring security. - Ethnic Cooperation and Security Collaboration
Lastly, to avoid potential ethnic tensions, all non-indigenous people in Esan, particularly those suspected of criminal activities, should work closely with security forces. Identifying and dealing with bad actors in our communities is essential for lasting peace.
Why This Matters—The Broader Implications
The situation in Esanland is not isolated. It reflects the wider security challenges facing Nigeria as a whole. When communities in rural areas are left unprotected, it weakens the social fabric of the nation.
Insecurity breeds mistrust and division, making it more difficult for the country to focus on its long-term development goals.
Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which contributes to over 20% of the nation’s GDP, has been decimated by insecurity in many regions, including Esanland. The loss of productive land, the forced displacement of families, and the shrinking of local economies are devastating blows to the country’s growth.
The inability of the government to protect its citizens in these areas undermines public faith in national institutions. If we are to have a future where Nigeria leads on the global stage, where African nations thrive, we must first secure our homeland.
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Security must be restored in Esanland, and this can only happen with concerted and immediate action from both the federal and state governments.
A Unified Call for Action
This 7-day letter of protest is not just about the people of Esanland. It is a call to action for every Nigerian, for every member of the African diaspora, and for anyone who believes in justice and the future of Africa.
We ask that you stand with us, as we demand that our voices be heard and that meaningful solutions be implemented. We cannot afford to wait any longer. The time for action is now.
President Tinubu, Governor Okpebholo, we ask that you listen to our plea, take immediate action, and give the people of Esanland the peace, security, and hope they deserve.
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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