In late March 2025, a series of events in Nigeria brought the longstanding North-South divide into sharp focus, reigniting debates about economic contributions, regional stereotypes, and the cycle of violence that has plagued the country for decades. A post on X by user @Prezain_LJ on March 31, 2025, sparked significant discussion by questioning the economic impact of northerners in the South, while also referencing a tragic incident in Edo State that claimed the lives of 16 northern travelers. This article aims to provide a balanced perspective on the issue, drawing from the X threads, related web sources, and the broader socio-economic context of Nigeria.
On March 28, 2025, a horrifying incident unfolded in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi, Edo State. According to a report by Mc Ebisco, 16 northern Hausa travelers, primarily hunters, were killed by a mob after being falsely accused of kidnapping. The travelers were en route to Kano from Port Harcourt, reportedly for Sallah festivities, when they were intercepted by members of the Edo State Security Corps and local vigilantes. The sight of their hunting Dane guns—common in the North but misinterpreted as a threat in the South—triggered a false alarm, leading to chaos and violence. Four survivors were rescued and hospitalized, and five suspects were arrested, though the arrests did little to alleviate the trauma felt by the victims’ families or the Hausa community in Uromi, which held an emergency meeting to prevent reprisal attacks.