Securing Uromi and Esan from Criminal Violence: 7-Day Open Letter, Protesting Insecurity in Esanland and Nigeria, 5-Day
In the heart of Esanland, the ongoing struggle to protect Uromi and its neighboring communities from the grip of criminal violence has reached a critical point. As the fifth day of the 7-day open letter protest unfolds, the urgency of addressing the rampant insecurity that plagues not only Esanland but the entire nation of Nigeria has never been more pressing.
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This letter serves as a call to action, demanding immediate intervention to safeguard the lives, properties, and peace of the people of Uromi and beyond. With each passing day, the message grows louder: the time for complacency has passed, and the safety of the people must be prioritized above all else.
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.
Background Report On The Situation
As reported by Vanguard on March 24, 2025, a troubling incident unfolded in Ukhun community, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, when suspected Fulani herdsmen launched an attack on local residents, leaving one person feared dead and several others injured.
A distressing video circulating on social media revealed that the attackers, believed to be herdsmen, blocked roads and killed an Igbira man, Mr. Dan, while others are still missing in the bush.
The community, which is predominantly made up of farmers, was ambushed as residents were on their way to their farms. The video, a call for urgent government intervention, appealed for help and rescue from the ongoing violence.
The escalating violence in Esanland is not a new crisis. As highlighted in the September 19, 2017 report by Crisis Group, titled “Herders Against Farmers: Nigeria’s Expanding Deadly Conflict,” violent clashes between nomadic herders and farming communities have been on the rise, particularly in central and southern Nigeria.
These conflicts, which have already cost thousands of lives (approximately 2,500 people in 2016), now threaten the safety and stability of communities like Uromi and across Esanland. Yet, despite the gravity of the situation, responses from both federal and state authorities have been woefully inadequate.
The motivation behind this 7-day open letter protest is to demand urgent action from the government to address the deepening insecurity that is putting lives and livelihoods at risk.
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.
As the son of Esanland, now living in Italy, I am compelled to raise my voice and the voices of other concerned Nigerians in the diaspora, as we stand united with the people of Esanland and Nigeria in their desperate plea for peace and security.
The situation we face in Uromi and surrounding communities in Edo State has spiraled into a crisis so dire that the very fabric of our society is beginning to unravel. For the past few years, escalating violence, including kidnapping for ransom, armed robberies, and violent attacks, has terrorized our communities.
This brutality has plunged our people into a state of fear and has severely affected the region’s economy, which is heavily dependent on agriculture. This letter is a cry for help, an urgent appeal for immediate action to end the bloodshed that has left so many lives in shambles.
The people of Esanland, once proud of their heritage and fertile land, are now living in constant fear. Our farms, the lifeblood of the region, have become dangerous zones, and those who dare to step out in search of sustenance are being abducted, maimed, or killed.
As reported by Reuters, “Kidnapping for ransom and violence attributed to Fulani herders have become a pervasive and escalating crisis in Nigeria, fuelling insecurity, displacement, and inter-ethnic tensions across the country.” Unfortunately, Esanland is not immune to this epidemic of violence.
For far too long, the cries of the people have gone unheard. Families have been torn apart, and entire communities have been displaced due to the relentless attacks. The economic repercussions of this violence are immense, especially given that Esanland’s economy is based largely on subsistence farming.
Local farmers are unable to cultivate their land due to the fear of abductions. The impacts of insecurity are not only social but also economic: farmers are no longer planting crops, businesses are closing, and poverty is rising at an alarming rate.
According to World Bank statistics, Nigeria’s overall agricultural output has decreased significantly in areas plagued by insecurity, with food insecurity levels skyrocketing. This is especially true in Esanland, where people are unable to carry out their daily agricultural activities in the face of constant danger.
We, the concerned Nigerians in the diaspora, call on you, President Tinubu, and Governor Okpebholo, to act decisively to restore peace and security to the people of Esanland. We implore you to take immediate and comprehensive steps to end the reign of terror in Uromi and surrounding communities.
Our 10-Point Call for Immediate Action
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 in a timely manner 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 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.
Conclusion: Time for Action
We, the concerned Nigerians in the diaspora, stand with the people of Esanland in this critical time. The suffering of our people cannot continue, and we can no longer sit idly by while they live in fear.
See also Urgent Call to Action: Day 1 the Open Letter Protesting Insecurity in Esanland and Nigeria
We call on you, President Tinubu, and Governor Okpebholo, to take swift and decisive action to end the violence that is tearing apart our communities. The bloodshed must stop now.
The people of Esanland deserve the right to live in peace, to work in safety, and to rebuild their lives and economy.
We urge you; we implore you to take the necessary steps to secure our future. The time to act is now, and we trust that you will rise to the occasion and deliver the peace and security that the people of Esanland so desperately need.
With hope for a peaceful future,
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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