The Traditional ruler of Uromi Kingdom, His Royal Highness, HRH. Zaiki Anslem Eidenojie II on Thursday appealed to the federal government to approve and officially take over the community-initiated MOPOL Barracks, which was generously built and donated by the people of Uromi, both at home and abroad, to the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to strengthen security operations in the area.
The monarch also lamented that the current Uromi Divisional Police Station is no longer sufficient to safeguard lives and property, and stressed the urgent need for the establishment of a Rapid Response Team, paramilitary presence, and a military forward base in Uromi to ensure proper security.
His Royal Highness, HRH.Zaiki Anslem Eidenojie II, made the appeal in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin.
Eidenojie II, also called on the Edo State Government to collaborate with local stakeholders to facilitate the official approval of the Esan MOPOL Barracks as an immediate step toward securing the Uromi people.
He said the call became necessary following a surge in criminal activities in Uromi, headquarters of Esan North East Local Government Area, particularly the recent killings of Northern travellers enroute Uromi to Kano State for the celebration of Eid-el-Fitri.
He said the facility is intended to provide an extra layer of security but has, over the years, remained underutilized.
The Ojuromi of Uromi, who expressed deep regrets over the act of jungle justice on the Northern travellers at Uromi to Kano State, condole with the families of the victims, the people of Kano, and all affected communities.
He said, “The Ojuromi of Uromi deeply regrets this act of jungle justice and extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Kano, and all affected communities.
“His Majesty also sympathizes with his own people, who have suffered at the hands of criminal elements, enduring kidnappings and extrajudicial killings that have plagued Uromi and Esanland for far too long.
“The fact that such a barbaric incident occurred over several hours without any visible police intervention is deeply alarming. It exposes the grave security lapses in the region and the dire need for immediate and effective security reinforcements.
“His Royal Majesty, The Ojuromi of Uromi, therefore makes an urgent appeal to the Federal Government to approve and officially take over the community-initiated MOPOL Barracks, which was generously built and donated by the people of Uromi, both at home and abroad, to the Nigerian Police Force. This facility is intended to provide an extra layer of security, yet it remains underutilized.
“We also call on the Edo State Government to collaborate with local stakeholders to facilitate the official approval of the Esan MOPOL Barracks as an immediate step toward securing our people.
“Furthermore, we urge the government to deploy more security personnel and leverage the already existing security structures that the community has put in place. The worsening insecurity has left our people unable to access their farmlands, threatening livelihoods and increasing tensions. If nothing is done, such unfortunate incidents may continue to occur.”
The Ojuromi of Uromi who called for immediate and strategic intervention from both the state and federal governments said, “We strongly emphasize that justice must be served for the recent killings, but at the same time, proactive security measures must be implemented to prevent further bloodshed in Uromi and Esanland.
“It is important to recognize the root causes of this distressing event. For years, the people of Uromi have cried out for help, urging both the state and federal governments to address the worsening security situation in Uromi and the greater Esanland. This incident is a clear indication of the failure of proper security formulation in Uromi.
“Uromi is no longer just a town—it is a growing city and one of the fastest-developing communities in southern Nigeria. With this growth comes an increasing population and the presence of various individuals, some of whom have contributed to insecurity. The current Uromi Divisional Police Station is no longer sufficient to safeguard lives and property, and this recent act of lawlessness highlights the urgent need for a Rapid Response Team, paramilitary presence, and a military forward base in Uromi to ensure proper security.”
