By Mary Onyia
The federal government’s perceived lack of urgency in tackling insecurity has been linked to the worsening security situation in Nigeria, with citizens increasingly turning to self-help measures to protect themselves, their families, and their property.
The recent killing of 16 northern travelers by a vigilante group in Uromi, Edo State, has once again highlighted the deteriorating security crisis in the country. The incident occurred last week when a group of northerners, believed to be hunters, was accosted by vigilante members who had been monitoring the area due to an increase in killings, kidnappings, and rapes in the community. Despite reporting these incidents to authorities, the community decided to form a surveillance group to protect themselves. Unfortunately, the travelers were mistaken for kidnappers, leading to their brutal deaths.
In the wake of the killings, Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, visited Kano State to apologize to the families of the victims, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and other northern leaders. He also promised compensation for the victims’ families and assured them of justice. Additionally, Governor Okpebholo disbanded unregistered vigilante groups and suspended officials responsible for overseeing non-state security operators in the state.
Governor Okpebholo is expected to visit the families of the victims in Torankarawa, Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State, as part of ongoing efforts to address the incident. Meanwhile, the police have made several arrests in connection with the killings, although many residents have fled the area in fear for their lives.
President Bola Tinubu swiftly directed security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. This incident, among numerous others, underscores the urgent need to reassess the country’s security framework. Many Nigerians have criticized the government for responding inadequately to security threats in some regions while swiftly addressing issues in others.
Mr. Friday Oboh, a resident of Edo State, suggested that the government use this tragic event to reconsider the establishment of state police or increase police recruitment to ensure better coverage. This, he argued, would reduce the reliance on vigilante groups, which are often poorly equipped and lack proper training.
Agnes Oghosa, a businesswoman from Benin City, called on the federal government to separate politics from security. “The federal government should stop politicizing security,” she said. “It is crucial to prioritize the safety of all Nigerians, regardless of their background. Selective security undermines national unity and fuels division, leading to dangerous consequences.”
Meanwhile, on Monday, aggrieved youths and women in Kano gathered to protest during Governor Okpebholo’s visit. They carried placards demanding swift justice for the victims, with slogans such as “Hunters are not criminals,” “Hunting is business, not crime,” and “Justice for our traveling hunters.” The protesters, accompanied by Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, called for a speedy dispensation of justice as they greeted the governor’s convoy.
This tragic incident and the subsequent public outcry have brought the issue of insecurity back into the national spotlight, urging a reevaluation of Nigeria’s security policies and the government’s approach to addressing the concerns of its citizens.