The Spate of Killings of Innocent Road Travelers : Implications and Solutions

In recent months, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in mob violence and extrajudicial killings, with two particularly gruesome incidents in Uromi, Edo State, and Mangu, Plateau State, highlighting the fragility of communal trust and the failure of the state’s security apparatus. These killings, rooted in suspicion, ethnic profiling, and a lack of faith in formal justice systems, have left communities mourning, heightened tensions, and raised urgent questions about Nigeria’s unity and security. This article examines the incidents, their implications, and proposes solutions to avert future occurrences.

The Uromi Killings:

A Tragic Case of Jungle JusticeOn March 27, 2025, at least 16 travelers, primarily Hausa hunters from Kano State, were brutally lynched in Uromi, Edo State, along the Uromi-Obajana Expressway. The victims, traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for Eid al-Fitr celebrations, were intercepted by local vigilantes who found dane guns—traditional hunting firearms—in their possession. Mistaking them for kidnappers or terrorists, the vigilantes raised an alarm, inciting a mob to beat, tie, and burn the travelers alive. A survivor, Abubakar Shehu, recounted hiding in an uncompleted building while hearing his companions’ cries as they were killed.The incident was not isolated but followed a pattern of violence in Edo State, where communities have faced repeated attacks by suspected herders. Just days before, Ukhun, a neighboring community, reported one death and several injuries from such attacks, fueling local anger and distrust. The discovery of firearms, though later confirmed to be licensed hunting tools, triggered a deadly overreaction, exposing the dangers of vigilante justice and ethnic profiling.

The Mangu Killings:

A Cycle of Retaliatory ViolenceIn Mangu, Plateau State, ongoing clashes between herders and farmers have escalated into deadly attacks, with recent incidents in April and May 2025 claiming dozens of lives. Between March 27 and April 2, 2025, coordinated attacks on five communities in Bokkos, near Mangu, killed at least 52 people, while a May clash in Riyom left 10 dead. These attacks, often attributed to armed herders, have displaced 65,000 people and destroyed farmlands, boreholes, and schools, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis.The violence in Mangu is part of a broader herder-farmer conflict in Nigeria’s North-Central region, where disputes over land and resources are compounded by ethnic and religious divides. In December 2023, attacks in Plateau killed over 140 residents, yet perpetrators remain unpunished, fostering a culture of impunity. A post on X by @tudunwada__mi on June 22, 2025, called for justice in Mangu, referencing the unprosecuted Uromi killings as a cautionary tale.

Implications of the Killings

Erosion of National Unity: The Uromi killings, targeting northern travelers, have sparked accusations of ethnic bias, with groups like the Concerned Northerners questioning Nigeria’s unity. Their statement warned that “the North is under no obligation to sustain Nigeria’s union,” signaling deepening regional divides. In Mangu, the herder-farmer clashes perpetuate ethnic and religious mistrust, threatening social cohesion.

Normalization of Mob Justice: The failure to hold perpetrators accountable has emboldened vigilante groups and mobs. Amnesty International reported 555 mob violence victims in Nigeria between 2012 and 2023, with 57 killed, often without evidence. The Uromi incident, where vigilantes acted as judge and executioner, underscores a dangerous trend of communities bypassing legal systems.

Humanitarian and Economic Crisis: In Mangu, the displacement of 450,000 people in Benue and 65,000 in Plateau has crippled farming, threatening food security. In Uromi, fear of reprisals has turned communities into ghost towns, disrupting local economies. These crises strain Nigeria’s already fragile infrastructure.Loss of Faith in Institutions: Both incidents highlight a profound distrust in law enforcement and judicial systems. In Uromi, vigilantes ignored police presence, while in Mangu, residents lament government inaction against herder attacks. This vacuum empowers non-state actors, further undermining state authority.

Risk of Reprisal Attacks: The Uromi killings have raised fears of retaliatory violence from northern groups, while Mangu’s cycle of herder-farmer clashes shows no signs of abating. Without intervention, these incidents could ignite broader conflicts.Solutions to Avert Future OccurrencesTo address these killings and prevent recurrence, Nigeria must adopt a multi-pronged approach that tackles root causes, restores trust, and strengthens institutions.

Strengthen Security and Law Enforcement:Deploy Trained Forces: The federal government should operationalize underutilized security facilities, such as the Mobol Barracks in Uromi, and expedite the Esan MOPOL Barracks to bolster regional security.Regulate Vigilante Groups: Edo State’s suspension of illegal vigilantes and the Edo State Security Corps commander is a step forward, but nationwide oversight is needed. Vigilantes must be registered, trained, and accountable to law enforcement

Swift Prosecution: The 14 suspects arrested in Uromi, now in Abuja, must face transparent trials to deter future mob actions. In Mangu, authorities should prioritize arresting and prosecuting attackers to break the cycle of impunity.

Address Ethnic and Religious Tensions:Community Dialogue: State governments should facilitate inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogues to reduce profiling and mistrust. Programs involving Fulani herders and local farmers in Plateau could foster coexistence.

Media Responsibility: Media outlets must avoid sensationalist reporting that fuels ethnic stereotypes. Balanced coverage, as urged by human rights advocate Daniel Okonkwo, is critical.

Reform Justice Systems:Judicial Efficiency: Weak legal institutions enable mob justice. Reforms to expedite trials and ensure fair outcomes will restore public confidence.Human Rights Training: Security forces need training to handle suspects without bias. The Uromi case, where police were bypassed, shows the need for better coordination

.Tackle Root Causes of Insecurity:Land Use Policies: The herder-farmer conflict in Mangu stems from competition over land. Implementing the National Livestock Transformation Plan, which promotes ranching, could reduce clashes.Economic Empowerment: Poverty and unemployment drive communal tensions. Investments in agriculture and youth programs in Edo and Plateau could address underlying grievances.

International and NGO Support:Human Rights Monitoring: Amnesty International’s call for transparent investigations in Uromi should be heeded. NGOs can assist in documenting abuses and advocating for justice.Humanitarian Aid: International organizations should support displaced communities in Mangu to mitigate the humanitarian crisis.Public Awareness

Campaigns:Civic Education: Campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of jungle justice and the importance of due process can shift public behavior. Community leaders, like the Ojuromi of Uromi, who condemned the killings, should lead such efforts.

Social Media Regulation: Viral videos of the Uromi lynching amplified outrage but also misinformation. Platforms must curb inflammatory content to prevent escalation.

Conclusion

The killings in Uromi and Mangu are symptoms of a broken system plagued by insecurity, ethnic distrust, and institutional failure. Their implications—division, impunity, and economic collapse—demand urgent action. By strengthening security, reforming justice systems, addressing root causes, and fostering dialogue, Nigeria can avert future tragedies. President Bola Tinubu’s condemnation and orders for investigations are commendable, but words must translate into results. As the Ojuromi of Uromi aptly stated, “The people of Uromi are peace-loving and law-abiding. We categorically reject jungle justice.” It is time for Nigeria to reject it too, ensuring justice for victims and a safer future for all.