An Appeal for Safety in Uromi and Esanland: 7-Day Open Letter, Protesting Insecurity in Esanland and Nigeria, 7-Day
As we conclude this 7-day open letter, protesting the growing insecurity in Esanland and across Nigeria, we stand resolute in our demand for immediate action to confront the escalating threats to peace and stability, particularly in Uromi and Esanland. We call on Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to recognize the urgency of the situation and take swift, decisive action to restore safety and security to Esanland and the nation as a whole.
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These 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.
These letters are not merely a cry of concern but a rallying cry for justice and change, demanding that the plight of the people be heard and addressed before it is too late.
First, The Security Situation In Nigeria
In a publication by ThisDay, February 3, 2025, a concerning new wave of insecurity was highlighted to be sweeping across much of the South East. Recently, gun-wielding herdsmen have terrorized the region, particularly in Ebonyi State, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. Even the Southwest is not immune, as these violent criminal elements also pose a grave threat there.
The article raises the critical question of whether Nigeria’s security forces are adequately prepared to address this rising menace.
It further suggests that Southeast Governors might need to consider establishing their own security apparatus, akin to the Southwest’s Àmòtèkun, to enhance regional safety.
Àmòtèkun is the Western Nigeria Security Network, a security outfit in the six states of Southwestern Nigeria, tasked with curbing insecurity in the region. The discussion, led by experts like Jide Ojo, Emmanuel Onwubiko, and Dr. Emeka Ejikonye, explores the complexity of these issues and offers potential solutions.
While the term “Fulani herdsmen” is commonly used, it is important to note that not all herdsmen involved in these violent acts are of Fulani descent. Other ethnic groups, including the Hausa and Yoruba, also engage in cattle rearing.
Labeling all killer herdsmen as Fulani is a form of fallacious overgeneralization and wrongful stereotyping. Further research has revealed that many of the perpetrators are not even Nigerians but are instead itinerant pastoralists from neighboring West African countries, taking advantage of Nigeria’s porous borders to smuggle arms and engage in violent criminal activities like banditry and kidnapping.
Notable examples include the Lakurawa sect, responsible for pillaging in Kebbi and Sokoto, which is said to have migrated from Niger Republic, along with members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West Africa Province.
In another report, the security situation in Nigeria has been steadily deteriorating, with significant violent incidents impacting various regions of the country. A recent publication, 2025 Security and Conflict Outlook in Nigeria by Global Sentinel, highlights alarming trends of violence and insecurity between June 2020 and 2024.
According to Nextier’s Nigeria Violent Conflicts Database, over 20,000 casualties were reported across 5,291 violent incidents. Terrorism, banditry, and secessionism were major contributors to these figures, with the Northwest particularly suffering from banditry-related violence.
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The ongoing farmer-herder conflicts also led to substantial casualties, primarily in the North Central and Northwest regions. Additionally, issues such as political violence, cultism, and kidnapping have exacerbated the instability across the nation, highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts to address these challenges.
In this context, the situation in Uromi and Esanland stands as a small part of the broader insecurity plaguing Nigeria. As insecurity continues to rise, communities like Uromi are experiencing the ripple effects of nationwide conflicts, with residents feeling vulnerable and threatened by violence that is already well-matured across the country.
See also Urgent Call to Action: Open Letter Protesting Insecurity in Esanland and Nigeria
By drawing attention to the broader trends of insecurity identified in the Global Sentinel report, we emphasize the urgent need for reforms, improved security measures, and a cohesive approach to peacebuilding in Esanland and beyond.
This 7-day open letter advocates for a concerted push toward restoring safety, addressing the root causes of violence, and ensuring that these regions are not left to suffer in isolation.
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
I pose these questions to you with urgency: What happens when fear paralyzes a community? When violence infiltrates every aspect of daily life, forcing people to live in constant terror, abandoning their homes and livelihoods just to survive?
In Esanland, this is no longer a hypothetical scenario—it is a harsh, undeniable reality people face every day.
Fulani Herdsmen Attacks And Their Impact In Esanland
The attacks by Fulani herdsmen have become one of the most pressing security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in regions like Esanland. According to a study by Emmanuel N. Iheanacho’s on the menace of Fulani herdsmen, the security situation in Nigeria has worsened since the return to civil rule in 1999, with various crises such as communal riots, Boko Haram insurgency, and, more recently, the violent activities of Fulani herdsmen.
Armed with modern weapons and communication tools, these herders have escalated their attacks, resulting in killings, kidnappings, robberies, and rapes, which have caused immense suffering for farming communities.
In Esanland, these assaults are devastating local farmers, forcing them to abandon their fields and livelihoods, leading to severe food insecurity and economic decline.
Iheanacho’s research highlights the far-reaching consequences of these attacks, including the destruction of lives and property and the creation of widespread unemployment. These assaults not only jeopardize the safety of local communities but also pose a significant threat to national security.
His study calls for immediate government intervention, urging the establishment of cattle ranches where herders can properly care for their livestock, as well as the compulsory registration of all Fulani herdsmen.
This registration would allow security agencies and local communities to monitor their activities more effectively, thus addressing the growing threat they pose to the stability and prosperity of the nation.
Example Of Uromi And Other Parts Of Esanland
Uromi, the vibrant heart of Esanland, and the broader region of Edo State, are under siege by a relentless tide of insecurity that is threatening not only lives but also the very foundation of our economy and cultural identity.
What was once a local issue is now a national catastrophe. Kidnappings for ransom, armed robberies, and brutal attacks have reduced our once-thriving communities to mere shadows of their former selves.
The silence of our leaders in the face of this calamity is no longer acceptable. If the people of Esanland are to survive, we urgently need decisive intervention from both the Federal Government and the Edo State Government.
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This 7-day appeal is a desperate plea for the lives, livelihoods, and futures of the people of Esanland, all hanging in the balance.
The Dire Situation in Esanland
The security situation in Esanland has escalated to a breaking point. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, kidnapping incidents in Edo State have surged alarmingly in recent years.
Communities across the region, including Uromi, have been terrorized by daily violence—ranging from kidnappings for ransom to armed robberies and violent clashes between farmers and herders.
This violence is tearing apart the very fabric of our society. Families are too afraid to leave their homes, children are unable to attend school, and our farmers—the lifeblood of our economy—are abandoning their fields, unable to work without the fear of abduction.
The Economic Devastation Is Profound.
Once-known for its fertile agricultural lands, Esanland is now watching its farmers flee their fields, paralyzed by the ever-present threat of violence. What was once a thriving agricultural hub is now witnessing its local economy crumble, as kidnappers prey on our vulnerable communities with impunity.
The social ramifications are equally devastating. Thousands of people in Esanland have been displaced, joining the ranks of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the country.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that Nigeria now has over 3 million IDPs, many of whom have fled regions like Esanland. Communities that were once vibrant are now ghost towns, and the heart of Esanland—Uromi—has descended into a state of fear, hopelessness, and uncertainty.
A Call for Immediate Action
The insecurity gripping Esanland is not just a law-and-order issue—it is a national emergency that demands immediate intervention. As the Federal Government works to address the broader security challenges facing Nigeria, we implore you, Mr. President, and you, Governor Okpebholo, to prioritize the safety and security of Esanland.
It is no longer enough to rely on piecemeal responses. What Esanland urgently needs is a comprehensive, coordinated security action plan that addresses both immediate threats and long-term stability.
Our people can no longer live in fear. Our communities can no longer thrive in uncertainty. The time for action is now. We call upon you to rise to the occasion, to act swiftly and decisively, and to restore peace, security, and hope to Esanland.
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This is our plea, our final call in this series of 7 protest letters—a cry for justice that cannot and must not be ignored.
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 crop, 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: A Plea for Action
The people of Esanland are crying out for help. They cannot continue to live in fear, unable to work, educate their children, or carry out their daily activities without looking over their shoulders. This 7-day appeal is not just a letter—it is a lifeline to a region in desperate need of intervention.
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We urge you, President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo, to listen to the cries of the people and take immediate action. You have 7-days to make a difference. We trust you will rise to the challenge and restore safety, peace, and prosperity to Esanland. The people of Esanland and all Nigerians are watching, waiting for you to act.
Peace and security to Esanland and peace and security to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Framework.
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.
