As the Sultan of Sokoto announced the sighting of the Shawwal moon on Saturday night, my mind drifted to the tragic fate of the 16 hunters who were brutally murdered in Uromi, Edo State.

One cannot help but wonder how their families are coping with their absence. The pain of losing loved ones in such a senseless manner is unimaginable. The reality is harsh: these killings will not stop as long as perpetrators continue to walk free. Justice must be served.

Anyone who takes an innocent life without justification should face the full consequences of the law. The suspects in the Uromi killings—like many before them—must not be allowed to escape accountability, for only then can we break this vicious cycle of violence.

This horrific act is a stark reminder of the urgent need for unity in condemning such heinous crimes. Regardless of our differences, we are all citizens of the same nation. Our shared humanity demands that we stand together against such injustices, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and that such tragedies do not repeat themselves.

While this incident is a symptom of a much deeper problem that has plagued our nation for decades, the stereotyping and divisions among us are doing far more harm than good. We did not create ourselves. The Almighty, who made us into different tribes, cultures, and religions, did so for a purpose. Instead of allowing these differences to divide us, we must embrace them as strengths that enrich our national identity.

I urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate steps to address the stereotyping and discrimination against our Northern brothers and sisters. A lot needs to be done to foster national unity and harmony. We must begin to see ourselves not as rivals, but as fellow citizens bound by a shared history, culture, and destiny.

Beyond ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice, the government must also support the families of the victims through adequate compensation and assistance. Additionally, a national dialogue should be convened, bringing together leaders from different ethnic and regional backgrounds to discuss and resolve the root causes of these tensions.

I firmly believe that with strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and national unity, we can overcome the challenges that threaten our peace and cohesion.

However, while we rightfully condemn the injustices faced by Northerners, we must also hold our own leaders accountable. Many Northern politicians have failed their people, neglecting the region’s critical needs and hindering its progress. One glaring setback is the lack of investment in media, leaving Northerners without strong platforms to amplify their voices. As a result, they are often subdued, even when they have legitimate concerns. It is time for Northern leaders to wake up to the reality that their region is suffering due to their negligence and lack of vision.

Too often, our leaders make noise without taking meaningful action—a clear sign of weak leadership and ineffective governance in the North. If we truly want change, it must start from within. The North needs visionary leadership, not just rhetoric, to protect the citizens from the region. Only then can we chart a new path towards progress, unity, and justice for all.

 

Zainab Abubakar Rabiu is a 400-Level student, Department of Mass Communication, IBB University, Lapai, Niger State