By Azu Ishiekwene

It’s a most unlikely crime scene. I travelled by road from the Benin airport to Uromi, Esanland’s most significant town, for a wedding about three years ago.

The fear of kidnappers is a constant worry for road users.

I was nervous for nearly four hours of the taxi ride, especially as we turned off the busy Agbor Road and veered onto narrow, lonely roads meandering through many forested small towns and villages.

I was nervous. When the driver ran into a pothole, and a loud noise suggested we might have lost a wheel or something, I insisted he should keep moving, as long as the car could still move, until we later discovered it was the wheel cover.

Entering Uromi

It was not until we passed Ubiaja, the hotspot between Biafran and Federal troops during Nigeria’s civil war and cultural capital of Esanland, and reached Igueben, the rusty town of one of Nigeria’s famous politicians, Tom Ikimi, about 20 minutes’ drive from Uromi, that I started breathing easy. It was my first visit to Uromi, a town I had known and heard about since my teenage years.

Memories from the Past

My earliest memory of this town was when my mother worked as a cook at St. Theresa’s Hospital, Kirikiri Ajegunle, Lagos, owned at the time by Dr. Okoli, an Igbo man, and his wife, a nurse and an Esan from Uromi. Occasionally, when there was some social event in Uromi, the Okolis took my mum along to cook, and she returned with plenty of palm oil, large tubers of yam, and fresh fruits.

But there’s another memory of Uromi apart from my mother’s work and travels. It’s the historical significance of this town in the old Benin Empire. More contemporary references might be about the exploits of some of Uromi’s notable people, such as the three Anthonys – Enahoro, Olubunmi-Okogie and Anenih – whose footprints in politics and liberation theology cannot be easily forgotten.

Innocence Lost to Rage

Yet, these notable persons were inspired by the town’s extraordinary heritage of struggle and resistance to oppression. Uromi resisted the expansionism of the Benin Empire during Oba Ozolua’s reign and fought the British colonial invaders.

Though many of the town’s original settlers are believed to have come from central Nigeria, migrants from other places also settled there, highlighting its tolerance for visitors and diverse heritage as the town grew into one of Esanland’s most important agricultural trading posts.

That diversity, enterprise and welcoming spirit now seem like a story from a bygone era. After the tragic killing of the 16 travellers reportedly going to Kano to observe the Eid on March 28, the town has lost its innocence. For a long time, it will be remembered not as that place my mother frequented as a cook or the homestead of Enahoro, one of Nigeria’s greatest patriots and nationalists, but as a crime scene.

Agony of Bereavement

The heartbreaking story of Hauwa Bala (whose husband, Isah, was among the Uromi 16) who went into premature labour upon hearing of her husband’s tragic death or Sadiya Sa’adu, who lost a brother and a nephew will haunt the community, as will the stories of each of the dead, and indeed the unfolding horror in Uromi now under siege and a brutal crackdown. The security services are poised to forget their complicity and instead crush the town in a mocking search for justice.

Journey to Anomie

How did we get here? Kidnapping and banditry have grown from a fringe business to a N2.23 trillion naira industry, and hardly any part of the country is spared this misery. In the last 10 years, clashes among rival cult gangs have been rife in Edo State, as have been reports of severe violence as a result of farmer-herder clashes. One report said in 2020, Edo was the third most affected by violence in the Niger Delta after Delta and Rivers States.

Violent clashes between farmers and herders have led to significant loss of lives. In February alone, 27 farmers in Edo were reportedly killed by herdsmen. This figure is only a tiny part of the bloody trail that often includes grotesque stories of rape, murder and wantonness wrecking many farming communities across the country as herders roam southwards for pasture.

Politicians’ Fake Outrage

While the affected communities writhe in anguish, official response, especially by politicians and the police, has ranged from chewing the microphone with empty promises of justice to sheer indifference and, in fact, alleged complicity in supplying weapons to the herders in some cases. We’ve seen this repeatedly across the country, from Uromi in Edo to towns in Benue and Plateau States.

When the state, expected to guarantee security and maintain law and order, abdicates its responsibility, turns a blind eye or becomes complicit, people take the law into their own hands. What happened in Uromi on March 28 is one of the tragic outcomes.

The appearance of shock and outrage amongst politicians and the security services is hypocrisy disguised as empathy. They can fool themselves all day long. Unless they begin to rebuild trust in communities and people – whether farmers or herders – can see that there are consequences for breaking the law, Uromi will not be the last tragic crime scene.

Citizens’ Dilemma

Yet, while many communities are under attack, residents are on their own. The Supreme Court recently gave a judgment upholding the death sentence on Citizen Sunday Jackson and criminalising self-defence even in the face of a clear threat to life. The judgment is an absurdity that compounds the dilemma of communities coping with security services often unwilling, unable or unavailable to protect citizens.

If unarmed Jackson had known that self-defence against herdsman Boua Bururo, who stabbed him seven times on his farm, would not avail him, that if he didn’t die by his attacker’s knife, he would have still been killed by the law, he might have surrendered to his attacker. What a fate!

What kind of society gives the victims the short end of the stick? If communities cannot trust that the police can defend them and courts will not provide justice, self-help prevails. As things stand, respect for life and private property rights is endangered, and to pretend otherwise is to enable jungle justice further.

No Excuses

What happened to the Uromi 16 stands condemned, but sadly, the fake outrage by politicians obscures the history behind the tragedy. It neither guarantees that a proper investigation will be done and the perpetrators brought to justice, nor does it assuage current tensions and paranoia in many communities across the country.

Open, unrestrained must stop. The Federal Government must also fast-track community/state policing, which will hopefully use modern surveillance tools and techniques to prevent and fight crime. The current security system is unfit for purpose.

Burden of Kindness

I’m sorry for the truck driver who, after driving past the stranded passengers early on, turned back nearly two kilometres to pick up the Uromi 16 and other stranded passengers from the roadside. Even though he escaped the mob attack in Uromi, he now lives with the guilt of a bloody reward for his act of kindness, the tragic consequence of a society where trust and compassion have declined.

Neither the Uromi I read about in history nor the one my mother visited is the same as the present crime scene. Something is broken, and false outrage won’t fix it.

Azu Ishiekwene is the Editor-in-Chief of Leadership and author of the new book, Writing for Media and Monetising It.

From Abel Zwànke, Lafia

In a season brimming with promise, Nasarawa Amazons Football Club has emerged as a beacon of excellence, flying the flag of Nasarawa State high in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL). With a string of impressive victories and a squad bristling with talent, the team has not only reignited hopes for a continental berth but also reaffirmed its place among Nigeria’s elite women’s football clubs.

However, as competition stiffens and the demands of sustaining top-flight performance grow, the need for increased government support becomes more pressing.

Now more than ever, Governor Abdullahi Sule must double down on investments in the Amazons—not just for the glory of football, but for the pride, inspiration, and development it brings to Nasarawa State.

The 2024/2025 NWFL season has witnessed a bold and determined Nasarawa Amazons side that is determined to make a statement. Opening their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Dannaz Ladies, the team signaled its readiness to reclaim its place among the best in the country. A decisive strike from forward Shobowale Olushola in the dying minutes of the game was the kind of drama that sparks belief—in the team, in the fans, and in the possibility of something greater.

That belief was cemented in their next outing, when the Amazons outclassed Ekiti Queens with a confident 2-0 win at home. The goals came from Ojiyovwi Kesiena and Akekeromowei Janet, two players who have become central to the team’s attacking prowess. More importantly, the game showed how well-organized and tactically disciplined the squad has become under the watch of their head coach, Christopher Danjuma.

The momentum continued as the Lafia-based club secured another 2-0 win against Heartland Queens. With Janet and Olushola once again finding the back of the net, the Amazons made it clear they are not just winning—they are doing so with style, control, and purpose. These wins are not coincidental. They are the result of good management, committed players, and a growing belief in their potential.

But every great team faces its trials, and for the Amazons, a 2-0 away loss to Edo Queens served as that moment. It was a sobering result, yet one that has allowed the coaching crew and players to reevaluate and push forward with renewed focus. Coach Danjuma, speaking after the game, praised his players’ resilience and stressed that such setbacks would only strengthen their resolve in the title race.

As the season progresses, the Nasarawa Amazons sit within touching distance of the NWFL Super Six playoffs—a pathway that could lead to the CAF Women’s Champions League. The stakes are higher than ever, and so is the pressure. This is where increased investment becomes not just beneficial but essential. The team requires sustained financial and logistical support to continue performing at the highest level.

Sule has previously shown his support for the team, notably with a ₦10 million reward following their victory at the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Preseason Tournament. While commendable, that gesture must be a foundation, not the peak. The women need consistent backing to meet growing demands—covering player welfare, improved training facilities, and travel arrangements for away fixtures.

For a state that seeks national recognition and youth development through sports, the Amazons represent a golden opportunity. Their visibility provides positive representation of Nasarawa on the national stage, particularly as one of the few women’s teams making significant strides. Young girls across the state now dream of donning the green and white of the Amazons, inspired by the likes of Janet and Olushola.

Beyond pride, football is also big business. Success at continental level could attract endorsements, sponsorships, and tourism into Nasarawa State. Hosting matches at an upgraded Lafia City Stadium could turn the town into a sports hub, creating jobs and promoting small businesses around matchdays. All it takes is vision—and investment.

At present, the team is stretched thin. Players often juggle between competitive fixtures and limited facilities, while coaches work tirelessly with minimal resources. A top-level football team requires a strong medical team, sports psychologists, nutritionists, and proper rehabilitation centers—most of which remain inadequate or unavailable in the current setup.

Furthermore, there is a growing call for the establishment of a grassroots football academy under the Nasarawa Amazons’ structure. Such an academy would ensure a steady pipeline of young, homegrown talents and reduce the dependence on expensive transfers in the future. It would also serve as a platform for social development, especially for girls from rural areas.

The impact of sports, particularly women’s football, in promoting gender equity and empowerment cannot be overstated. By investing in the Amazons, the state is also sending a strong message that it believes in the potential of its daughters just as much as its sons. It is an investment in equality, visibility, and societal progress.

While a 4-0 victory against Confluence Queens has made waves on social media which pushed them to 21 points seating third on the log. Regardless, it explains the excitement and attention the team is generating this season. It also raises expectations—and the need to meet them with the right support.

Nasarawa Amazons have proven that they have the talent, discipline, and passion to reach continental heights. What they need now is the full weight of the state behind them. If Governor Sule doubles his commitment—financially and structurally—there is no limit to how far these women can go.

In the end, supporting Nasarawa Amazons is not just about football. It’s about investing in pride, possibility, and the powerful story of a team that could carry the dreams of a state to the African stage.

By Iliyasu GaduIf

you have visited the Mambilla plateau in Sardauna Local Government of Taraba state, you probably will not behold a better Eldorado in Nigeria. Everything about the place from the temperate weather, to the bewitching scenic beauty, to the agricultural produce and livestock is something you can never find in any part of Nigeria.

The weather is so clement all year round that you do not need an air conditioner in your home. The bananas are huge and succulent you will mistake them for plantain. Coffee, tea and beverages abound here as well as grapes, and avocado. Mambilla is also a potential tourist haven. The highest elevation in Nigeria, Chappal Wadi peak is one of the several wonders of nature in Mambilla.Adding to the scenic, breath taking beauty, the place hosts a variety of flora and fauna that if properly harnessed would rank as a top tourist destination not only in Nigeria but Africa. If Taraba state where Mambilla is located is likened and called “Nature’s gift to the Nation’’, then Mambilla can rightly be termed ‘’Nature’s gift to Taraba’’.Mambilla used to be part of Cameroon but due to the plebiscite organized by the United Nations for the English speaking parts of the country, the northern areas of which Mambilla right up to Mubi in Adamawa voted to join with Nigeria.The southern English speaking part of course decided to stay in Cameroon and we are all witnesses to the consequences of that decision on the area. For convincing the northern part of Cameroon which constitute parts of Taraba and Adamawa states today, we need to thank Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late premier of Northern Nigeria who campaigned vigorously in these areas and for whom the Sardauna Local Government where Mambilla is located, after his traditional title of ‘’Sardauna’’.But for all these beautiful attributes of Mambilla, there is an ugliness that cannot be hidden. Among the many useful things about the place is that it can also be a source for a massive power project of up to 3,000 megawatts. Surveys carried out decades ago had indicated that across the river that runs through Mambilla, a dam of that capacity can be built to supply power and irrigate the land for greater agricultural productivity.The reports of the baseline studies on this project had been in abeyance until 2003 when the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration as part of its power development programme decided to award a six billion dollar contract for the construction of the dam.Sunrise Power, a company owned by a well-known Lagos based wheeler dealer Leno Adesanya was the beneficiary of this contract which was signed off by Olu Agunloye the then Minister of Power during the Obasanjo administration.Before he was appointed as Minister of Power, we knew the tall Physicist and Ondo-born Agunloye as one time boss of the Federal Road Safety Corp. I can be too sure that both Agunloye and Leno Adesanya had ever visited Mambilla and what they knew of the place if at all may just be enough to fill the back of a postage stamp. But here they were, given the power to award and supervise the construction of a multi-billion dollar power project in what can be termed the boondocks of Nigeria.One can be sure that with such fellows at the helm and against such setting, the project will never see the light of day (no pun intended); never mind that the contractor goes by the name ‘’Sunrise’’ (No pun intended here).As it has now come to light 22 years later since the contract was awarded in 2003, earth had been shifted to clear the site of the project not to talk of turbines installed to power the dam and provide energy. But what is sure is that vast amounts of money has been expended so far mainly on litigations and ‘’investigations’’ into the project. The latest news on the project is that two former Nigerian leaders Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari appeared before a court of arbitration in Paris, France to explain what they knew about the project.And why was this necessary?I recognise that the matter is sub judice both locally and abroad but I will take the liberty allowed under fair comment and the overriding interest of the right of the public to know, to shed some light on the shenanigans that have dogged the project.The long and short of it is that Sunrise was paid some mobilization money but did not for whatever reasons execute the contract fully. And to protect its contractual propriety over the project in order to prevent it from being re awarded to another contractor, Sunrise put a caveat emptor on the projector. This meant that for any consideration on the projector in whatever form, Sunrise had the right of first refusal over any other party including even the Nigerian government.This much came to light when the Buhari administration sought to revive the project from a decade of abeyance. The attempt by the Buhari administration to engage a Chinese contractor to do the project was stonewalled by Sunrise which took the matter to an International Arbitration court in Paris. As the Presidents under whose tenure the Mambilla project featured, both Obasanjo and Buhari were thus obligated to appear before the court of arbitration which they did.Another twist to the project is the role which Buhari’s second minister of power, Saleh Mamman played in the whole sordid saga. His predecessor in the ministry Babatude Fashola (SAN) being the smart lawyer that he is gave the project a wide berth knowing the legal entanglements associated with it. But Saleh Mamman who incidentally is an indigene of Taraba state and even has filial connections to the Mambilla area is now under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of misappropriating 32 billion naira under his watch as minister.Among the issues that had come to light is his alleged role in the Mambilla project where he claimed to have spent huge sums in paying compensation to owners of the land and clearing of the site for the project. This also included an engagement session for stakeholders of the project which took place at Transcorp Hotel Abuja. All these were in anticipation of the takeover of the project by the Chinese. But as we all know now the Sunrise’s decision to seek international arbitration stymied the move.In what had also added a dark shadow over the issue, a BBC on the spot investigation showed that despite the huge sums that were claimed to have been expended, nothing on ground justified such.This prompts us to ask why some pertinent questions.Why was Sunrise a company with no proven track record of handling energy projects of this nature awarded the Mambilla power project in the first place. Was it meant to be a flag contract in which a company without capacity is awarded such a contract on the understanding that it will be a conduit through which funds will be funnelled to parties unconnected to the project?Why did the Obasanjo and subsequent governments allow Sunrise which did little to commence the project after reportedly collecting some mobilization funds, to put a lock hold on the project for 22 years now, thereby stalling its take off? Where are the vocal anti-corruption watchdogs who all too often are quick and vigorous when similar issues occur in certain parts of the country?As it is, now that the issue had been taken to international arbitration it is likely that Nigeria’s quest to boost its power sector through the 3,000 megawatt capacity Mambilla power project will be delayed for long if not totally scrapped. And this will be down to a Nigerian company ironically called ‘’Sunrise’’ which rather than be the harbinger of power and energy as its name implies, has instead decided to do the opposite.Gadu can be reached via Ilgad2009@gmail.com and 08035355706 (Texts only).