A Disturbing Reflection of a Broken System By Odiawa Ai
In late March, our nation was rocked by a tragic and unacceptable event: the brutal killing of 16 Fulani hunters in Uromi, located in the Esan North Local Government Area of Edo State. This heinous act is not merely a standalone incident but rather a glaring symptom of a fractured security and justice system that has left many Nigerians vulnerable and fearful.
The circumstances surrounding the Uromi killings are deeply unsettling. A mob, fueled by accusations that the hunters were complicit in ongoing security breaches affecting local farmers, descended upon them with lethal intent. The violence escalated to the point where the hunters were forcibly removed from their vehicles, lynched, and their bodies desecrated. This gruesome episode, captured in disturbing viral videos, has sparked intense discussions about the state of security in Nigeria, the rising ethnic tensions, and the government's apparent inability to shield its citizens from such rampant violence.
It is imperative that both the federal and state governments recognize the urgent need for equality in the treatment of all Nigerians, regardless of ethnic, tribal, or religious affiliations. The pervasive double standards in the enforcement of laws and the administration of justice are not only destructive but also lead to dangerous and unintended consequences. In a nation already fraught with fragility, these disparities can ignite further conflict and unrest.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Edo State Government, alongside security agencies, must take immediate action to identify those responsible for this barbaric act. It is essential that the perpetrators are brought to justice in a court of competent jurisdiction, ensuring a fair trial. However, it is crucial that the security forces conduct their operations with tact and sensitivity, avoiding the pitfalls of becoming an occupying force that terrorizes innocent community members.
As the situation in Uromi escalates, with police and military presence intensifying, we must not overlook a critical precursor to the deaths of the Uromi 16: the escalating violence perpetrated by Fulani herders across Nigeria. Just weeks prior to the Uromi killings, the state witnessed the tragic deaths of 27 farmers, a grim reminder of the ongoing security crisis plaguing our agricultural communities. Despite this alarming trend, the response from the state government was lackluster, with little effort made to compensate the victims' families or address the underlying issues.
It becomes increasingly clear that Nigeria is grappling with a deep-seated crisis rooted in systemic injustice. The tragic loss of innocent lives at the hands of Fulani herdsmen has once again highlighted the dire consequences of a broken system, where the rule of law seems to be overshadowed by political expediency and selective justice.
Over the years, the situation for farmers, particularly in Southern Nigeria, has deteriorated alarmingly. Many farmers are now paying tribute to the Islamic terrorists who impose terror upon them. Fulani herdsmen, emboldened by a sense of gross entitlement, are encroaching on farmlands, leading to violent confrontations as farmers attempt to protect their livelihoods. This has resulted in a horrifying pattern of massacres, arson, rape, and killings—an unsettling norm that has taken root in our society.
The Global Terrorism Index identified Fulani herdsmen as one of the four most dangerous terrorist groups globally in 2014, a grim recognition of their killing sprees across Nigeria. The brutal slaughter of 72 individuals in Benue State on New Year’s Day in 2018 stands as a stark example of their unchecked violence, yet the response from the highest levels of government has often been one of feigned ignorance.
The bloodshed is not isolated. In 2016, over 40 people were murdered in Ukpabi Nimbo, Enugu State, and the Federal Government has yet to prosecute any of the perpetrators. Fast forward to December 2023, and we witness a continuation of this tragic narrative as Fulani herdsmen reportedly killed over 140 residents across 62 villages in Plateau State during the Christmas period. The public outrage that followed quickly simmered down, with no arrests or prosecutions for these heinous acts.
This pattern of selective justice raises troubling questions about the value placed on the lives of Southern Nigerians compared to their Northern counterparts. For instance, when Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Adamawa State, acted in self-defense and killed a Fulani intruder in 2015, the Supreme Court upheld a death sentence against him. This verdict starkly contrasts the government's tepid response to the mass killings perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen across the nation.
While it is crucial to hold accountable those responsible for the Uromi killings, it is equally imperative that the government addresses the historical injustices faced by farmers and civilians in the region. Justice must not be a selective practice; it should be universal, ensuring that all perpetrators of violence, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, are brought to justice.
Until Nigeria confronts these systemic injustices and embraces the rule of law, the cycle of violence will persist. The call for accountability and the protection of all citizens must resonate loudly, demanding a government that prioritizes justice over political gain.
In a significant step towards addressing these issues, the Tinubu government has established a Ministry of Livestock. This initiative is designed to encourage ranching and provide support to livestock farmers. It is imperative that herders take advantage of this opportunity to transition to ranching, which not only promotes peace between communities but also positions Nigeria as a competitive player in the global livestock production market, much like the successful practices seen in the Netherlands and Brazil.
However, it is vital to recognize that the issue extends beyond the actions of Fulani herdsmen alone. The violence perpetrated by Islamic extremists, coupled with the lack of accountability for these heinous acts, has created a climate of fear and mistrust. The murder of Eunice Olawale, a Christian preacher in Abuja in 2016, serves as a painful reminder of the indifference shown by security forces to religiously motivated killings. Despite the brutality of such acts, there was little outrage in Northern Nigeria, reflecting a systemic failure to protect vulnerable communities.
Moreover, the tragic fate of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto State, lynched by her peers in 2022 over flimsy accusations, exemplifies the pervasive culture of impunity. The lack of justice for victims of such violence only emboldens perpetrators and fosters an environment where human rights are routinely violated. Similarly, the killing of Funke Olakunrin in 2019, which drew minimal response from the Federal Government, illustrates the urgent need for a change in how violent crimes are addressed.
International organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly voiced concerns regarding the unchecked violence perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen. With estimates suggesting that these militias have killed over 3,600 people since 2015, they have emerged as one of the deadliest non-state armed groups in Africa. This alarming statistic should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved, from government officials to community leaders.
The solution to these challenges lies in a comprehensive overhaul of the security apparatus in Nigeria. The Nigerian Police Force is currently understaffed and ill-equipped to handle the escalating security challenges. A strategic investment in law enforcement and community safety, coupled with proactive measures to foster dialogue between herders and farming communities, is essential for restoring peace.
As we reflect on the Uromi killings and the broader implications for national security, it is clear that we must advocate for a shift towards ranching and a more robust response to violence. Only then can we hope to build a society where all citizens can live without fear of violence and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
These incidents reflect not just isolated acts of violence but rather the symptoms of a broader systemic failure that demands immediate and comprehensive reform.
At the heart of this issue lies the urgent call for the decentralization of policing in Nigeria. The establishment of state police is essential to empower governors to effectively protect their domains. This move is not merely a bureaucratic adjustment; it is a necessary step toward enabling a responsive and accountable security apparatus that can address the unique challenges faced by diverse communities across the country.
Security agencies must shift their focus from reactive measures to proactive intelligence gathering. Preventing attacks before they occur is paramount, and this can only be achieved through a well-coordinated effort that prioritizes information sharing and community engagement. The protection of farmers and rural communities is critical, and the prosecution of violent perpetrators must be robust and unwavering to serve as a deterrent against future offenses. Without the establishment of true federalism, Nigeria risks further descent into chaos.
Amidst the turmoil, the Western Nigeria Security Network and various vigilante groups have emerged as crucial players in restoring some semblance of peace. Their efforts in apprehending criminals and defending communities deserve recognition and support, not suppression. Uromi's local leader, Okpebholo, has threatened to ban these vigilante groups, a move that could exacerbate the existing security challenges. Instead of disbanding these essential community defenders, it is imperative that he critically examines their role and provides them with the necessary resources to operate within lawful parameters.
The conversation around state policing must evolve. Rather than dismantling these local security initiatives, there is a pressing need for reform and regulation. The governor's role in balancing justice enforcement with community safety cannot be overstated; citizens must feel secure enough to resume their daily lives, including farming and work, without the looming threat of violence.
Moreover, it is vital for the Federal Government to rise above ethnic biases and ensure that every Nigerian life is valued equally. The current climate of selective justice and political correctness has eroded public trust in the state’s ability to protect its citizens. Political, cultural, and civic leaders in the South must find their voice and courage to confront these atrocities head-on, advocating for actionable security policies that truly reflect the needs of their communities.
The fear of further retaliatory attacks by Fulani herdsmen on Uromi communities is palpable. The government must act decisively to prevent such escalations by deploying adequate security forces to the region. These forces should be tasked with thorough investigations and intelligence gathering, ensuring that operations are conducted with respect for human rights and without undue high-handedness.
The broader narrative is clear: Nigerians are increasingly subjected to the violent whims of armed groups, with insufficient intervention from both state and federal authorities. The rampant attacks by Fulani herders have created an atmosphere of fear and distrust among communities, further exacerbating existing ethnic divides.
The Uromi killings serve as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for reform within our security and justice systems. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens. A commitment to justice, equality, and the rule of law is essential in mending the fractures within our society and preventing future tragedies.
As Nigeria grapples with these pressing issues, it is clear that the path to security and justice lies in a comprehensive approach that prioritizes decentralization, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to protecting all citizens.