The tragic events of the Uromi Massacre, which claimed the lives of 16 northern hunters in Edo State, have sparked widespread outrage and reignited debates about Nigeria's fragile unity. Concerned Northerners have expressed deep dismay over the incident, describing it as a symptom of the growing divisions within the nation.
The massacre, which occurred on March 27, 2025, involved the brutal killing of hunters traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano for the Sallah celebration. Reports indicate that the victims were falsely accused by local vigilantes and subjected to mob violence. Families of the victims, alongside community leaders, have called for justice and accountability, emphasizing that such acts of violence threaten the fabric of Nigeria's unity.
In a statement issued by the Northern Elders Forum, the group condemned the killings as "barbaric and inhumane" and demanded swift action from the authorities. "The North has always been a pillar of Nigeria's unity, but incidents like this force us to question whether this union is sustainable. We are not under any obligation to continue in a union where our people are treated as expendable," the statement read.
The Forum outlined five key demands, including the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, compensation for the victims' families, and assurances of safety for Northerners residing in other parts of the country. They also called on the federal government to address the root causes of such violence, including ethnic profiling and the failure of local security mechanisms.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has pledged full compensation to the victims' families and vowed to ensure justice is served. However, many Northerners remain skeptical, citing a history of unfulfilled promises and systemic failures.