Herdsmen vow to eliminate Uromi vigilante members, Idune Efandion residents — Community raises alarm

Residents of Uromi in Esan North-East LGA, Edo State, have raised alarm that armed Fulani herdsmen/kidnappers are targeting members of the local vigilante group and Idune Efandion community in revenge for the Uromi 16 killings.

Community sources say the group has vowed to eliminate surviving vigilante operatives who were on duty that day. Already, three members Isiwele Michael (Chairman), Godday Okoh and Sunday Okojie  have been kidnapped and killed in separate incidents across Kogi, Jos and Oyo States. Vice-Chairman Okos Okosun narrowly escaped abduction in Rivers State. 

Other vigilante members believed to be under threat include; Okos Okosun (Vice Chairman), Louis Eromonsele Ugele (Secretary), Courage Ebhohimhen, Umebeata Idemudia Henry, Kennedy Odibo, Emmanuel Ehimhen, Obhahimejele Hilary Oyamendan, Obhahimejele Sylvester, Elvison Osolase, Caleb Ehikhamentalor, Okosun Godwin, Sylvanus Osun, Owobu Sunday, Akhidenor Oguede, Valentine Ehizibue, Wilson Jato, Fidelix Ojiagba and Nathaniel Isesele.

Community members allege that photographs and names of these vigilantes have been circulated among criminal networks to coordinate attacks. Families in Idune Efandion also report being trailed, threatened and placed under surveillance, fearing reprisals against anyone linked to the Uromi 16.

The background lies in years of insecurity: rampant kidnappings, rape, farmland destruction and killings allegedly by Fulani herdsmen and bandits. Villagers recall women assaulted on farms, ransom victims killed, and a newborn reportedly fed to a dog by kidnappers.

On March 27, 2025, villagers intercepted a truck carrying Northerners hidden among palm kernel shells, allegedly with guns, dogs and large amounts of new naira. Some locals identified them as past abductors. Enraged by years of terror, vigilantes and residents executed 16 men on the spot — an episode now remembered as the Uromi 16. Several suspects were later arrested, with some given long jail terms.

Community leaders say the reprisal threats prove the insecurity has spread nationwide, worsened by impunity. They allege security complicity as suspects are often freed by security agencies, leaving citizens at risk. Human rights observers warn that unchecked reprisals and government inaction are fueling further violence.

The vigilante and community members have now resorted to running from Pilar to post as all appeal to the Police, DSS, Edo State Government and Federal authorities to protect the named vigilante members and Idune Efandion residents, and by to launch credible investigations has failed abysmally.