A pall of grief has descended upon the ancient town of Uromi, Nigeria, following a horrific incident where several individuals were brutally burnt alive by a mob. The Esan Descendants Assembly (EDA) Worldwide has released a powerful and poignant statement condemning the act in the strongest terms, describing it as an “abomination” and a “tragedy without excuse.” In a press release dated March 30, 2025, the EDA, representing Esan sons and daughters globally, expressed profound sorrow and acknowledged the collective pain felt by the community, even if the perpetrators were few or “resident strangers.” The assembly extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, their communities, and the nation, emphasizing that “no man deserves to be judged by fire” and “no mother should receive her child in ashes.” While grappling with the immense tragedy, the EDA, in a statement signed by Prof. G.R.A. Okogun, Chairman, and Saintmoses Eromosele (SME), General Secretary, cautioned against succumbing to desperation and despair. Instead, they painted a grim picture of the daily realities faced by the people of Uromi, who they say are living under “siege” due to rampant kidnapping, insecurity, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. The statement points to the long-standing neglect and the apparent failure of those entrusted with protecting the community. For years, the EDA claims, Uromi and neighboring towns have been plagued by kidnappers, rapists, and killers, with the cries of the people seemingly falling on deaf ears. The long-awaited commissioning of the Esan Mobile Police squadron barracks, which offered a glimmer of hope, has remained unfulfilled, worsening the feeling of abandonment. The EDA acknowledges that the “madness” that led to the mob killing in Uromi is likely a consequence of this prolonged neglect and the desperation it breeds. However, the assembly firmly rejects any resort to self-help and “acts of barbarism,” emphasizing that “revenge is not an option” and that “Esanland is not a jungle.” Drawing upon the rich history and esteemed figures of Esanland, the EDA highlighted the legacy of honour, wisdom, and progress embodied by past kings, scholars, warriors, and religious leaders. They passionately urged their people to uphold these values and resist the temptation to take the law into their own hands. In a direct appeal, the EDA called upon key stakeholders, including the Governor of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services, the Commander of the 4th Mechanized Brigade of the Nigerian Army, and all those responsible for security management, to take immediate and decisive action. They implored these authorities to move beyond mere reactive measures and proactively defend the lives and livelihoods of the people with the same urgency they now show in counting the dead. The EDA concluded its powerful statement with a resounding call for justice, not the justice of an enraged mob, but the justice of the law. They urged the Esan people to lead by example, to reject mob justice, and to work towards extinguishing the flames of violence before they consume the entire community. The incident in Uromi serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the underlying issues of insecurity and neglect that can drive communities to the brink. The impassioned plea from the Esan Descendants Assembly underscores the importance of effective governance, robust security measures, and a commitment to the rule of law in preventing such tragedies from recurring and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens. The world watches to see if this cry for justice will be heeded and if Uromi can find its way back from the ashes of this devastating event.
