His Royal Highness, Zaiki Anslem Eidenojie II, the Traditional Ruler of the Uromi Kingdom, has requested that the Federal Government approve and take over the community-initiated MOPOL Barracks.
Gatekeepers News reports that the facility was built and donated by the people of Uromi, both locally and internationally, to the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) as a measure to enhance security operations in the region.
In a statement issued to the press in Benin, the monarch expressed concern over the inadequacy of the current Uromi Divisional Police Station in protecting lives and property.
He emphasised the urgent necessity for establishing a Rapid Response Team, increasing paramilitary presence, and setting up a military forward base in Uromi to bolster security measures.
He urged the Edo State Government to collaborate with local stakeholders to expedite the official approval of the Esan MOPOL Barracks as a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of the Uromi population.
The call for improved security comes in response to a rise in criminal activities within Uromi, which is the headquarters of Esan North East Local Government Area. This concern has been heightened by recent incidents, including the tragic killings of Northern travellers en route from Uromi to Kano State during the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.
The facility, intended to serve as an additional layer of security, has regrettably remained underutilized over the years. The Ojuromi of Uromi also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the affected communities, denouncing the act of jungle justice against the Northern travellers.
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.”
