The Traditional Ruler of Uromi Kingdom, HRH Zaiki Anslem Eidenojie II, on Thursday, appealed to the federal government to deploy mobile policemen (MOPOL) to the barracks in Uromi to strengthen security in Esan North-East of Edo.

The facility, built and donated by Uromi people at home and abroad, was handed to the Nigerian Police Force to enhance security operations in the area.

In a statement in Benin, the traditional ruler lamented that the existing Uromi Divisional Police Station was inadequate to check the rising crime in the council area.

He stressed the urgent need for a rapid response team, paramilitary presence, or a military forward base in Uromi to strengthen security.

He also called on the Edo government to collaborate with local stakeholders to facilitate the official approval of the Esan MOPOL Barracks.

He disclosed that the request became necessary due to rising criminal activities in Uromi, including the recent killings of travellers in Uromi.

He stated that despite the facility’s intention to enhance security, it had remained underutilised over the years, urging the authorities to activate it for immediate use to prevent further violence.

The Ojuromi of Uromi, who expressed deep regret over the jungle justice incident involving the travellers, condoled the victims’ families, the people of Kano, and all affected communities.

“I also sympathise with my own people, who have suffered kidnappings and extrajudicial killings at the hands of criminal elements plaguing 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 highlights grave security lapses and underscores the urgent need for immediate reinforcements.

“Furthermore, we call on the government to deploy more security personnel and leverage the existing security structures. The worsening insecurity has left our people unable to access their farmlands, threatening livelihoods and increasing tensions,” he said.

The monarch stressed that while justice must be served for the recent killings, proactive security measures must be implemented to prevent further bloodshed.

He emphasised that it was important to recognise the root causes of the distressing event, adding that for years, Uromi people had cried out for help over the worsening insecurity in Uromi and Esanland.

(NAN)