Sixteen human lives, brutally taken in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria have reignited a firestorm of questions about justice, security, and governance in Nigeria. The swiftness of the government’s reaction—arresting 14 suspects and disbanding ‘illegal’ vigilante groups—stands in stark contrast to its lethargy in addressing the scores of killings linked to herdsmen. The tragedy reveals a nation grappling with more than just violence; it faces a crisis of trust, where institutions meant to serve all citizens increasingly appear to function only for the elite or under external pressures.At the heart of Nigeria’s insecurity lies a growing culture of impunity. From banditry and religious extremism to the farmer-herder crisis, countless communities have been devastated, and yet accountability remains elusive. Edo State is no exception. Its lands are scarred by allegations of herdsmen’s violence, and its farmers live in fear, yet almost no perpetrators have faced justice. Why does one incident spur immediate action while others languish in neglect? Is justice in Nigeria conditional, or is there still hope for the principles of equity and fairness?This story probes deeper, connecting the dots between governance failures, selective justice, and the dangerous precedent they set. At its core, it asks: When will Nigeria’s government and institutions truly serve all its people and fulfill their sacred duty to protect lives and property? The answers or lack thereof, could determine the future of a nation teetering on the edge of lawlessness.
A Nation in Mourning
On March 27, 2025, a group of travelers, said to be hunters from Kano State, were intercepted in Uromi, accused of being kidnappers, and brutally killed. The Edo State government swiftly arrested 14 suspects and suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), alongside all illegal vigilante groups. While this rapid response is commendable, it raises uncomfortable questions about why similar urgency is absent in addressing other forms of violence, particularly those involving herdsmen.
The Herdsmen Crisis
Since 2019, over 542 civilians have been killed in farmer-herder conflicts, with more than 2 million displaced according to report. These conflicts, often involving Fulani herdsmen, have devastated communities, particularly in the Middle Belt region. Despite the scale of the crisis, there has been little accountability. In Edo State, allegations of killings and rapes by herdsmen have gone largely unaddressed. Mabel Oboh, a former governorship candidate in Edo State, recently called for urgent action against herdsmen attacks in Esanland, highlighting the threats faced by farmers, including murder, kidnapping, and sexual violence.
The increasing frequency and severity of these attacks have instilled a pervasive sense of fear among the Esan populace.
Mabel Oboh
A Tale of Two Responses
The swift action in Uromi contrasts sharply with the government’s inaction in other cases. This disparity has led to accusations of selective justice. “Why is it that when it involves certain groups, the government acts swiftly, but when it involves herdsmen, there is silence?” asked a community leader in Benue State, a region heavily affected by herdsmen attacks.
The Social Contract in Question
The primary duty of any government is to protect its citizens. Yet, Nigeria’s institutions often appear to serve the interests of the powerful rather than the people. The Council on Foreign Relations’ Nigeria Security Tracker has documented thousands of violent incidents, underscoring the failure of the state to ensure safety. This failure has eroded public trust. Communities, feeling abandoned, have resorted to self-help, further destabilizing the country. “When institutions fail, people take the law into their own hands. This is dangerous for any society,” warned a security analyst.
A Call to Action
The Uromi killings should serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government. Justice must be impartial, and all perpetrators of violence, regardless of their identity, must be held accountable. This is not just about addressing individual incidents but about restoring faith in institutions. The government must also address the root causes of insecurity, from economic disparities to ethnic tensions. Policies like banning open grazing and promoting ranching could help reduce farmer-herder conflicts.
The Road Ahead
As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, the question remains: Will the government rise to the occasion, or will it continue to falter? The answer will determine not just the future of those affected by violence but the very fabric of the nation.This is a moment for reflection and action. The time for excuses is over. Nigeria’s leaders must act decisively to protect all citizens and rebuild trust in the institutions that are meant to serve them. The world is watching. Will they deliver?
