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.
The Edo Massacre: A Catalyst for Tensions
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.
The incident prompted a swift reaction on X. On the same day, @ArewaaConnect posted, “It’s time for Northerners to come back HOME!!!”—a call that reflected the growing fear and frustration among northerners in the South. However, this statement was met with backlash. @Martins_247 responded, accusing northerners of hypocrisy, pointing to past instances where northern herders allegedly destroyed crops and committed violence without similar calls for accountability. This exchange set the stage for @Prezain_LJ’s post on March 31, which quoted @ArewaaConnect’s call and argued that northerners in the South contribute little economically while being linked to crimes like robbery and kidnapping.
Economic Contributions and Stereotypes
@Prezain_LJ’s post stated, “Apart from Shoemaking (majorly repairs), riding bikes, selling of Suya, tigernut and dates, these guys have no economic impact in the South. They don’t pay rents (rather live in groups), don’t invest (rather send the money back home), they are not taxable, don’t buy lands, etc.” The post, which garnered significant engagement, painted a picture of northerners as a group that benefits from the South without contributing meaningfully to its economy. Replies to the post varied, with some users like @Dblack_cfc acknowledging the value of services northerners provide, while others, such as @Diego_tse, expressed outright disdain, suggesting that northerners “should get their own country.”
While @Prezain_LJ’s post highlights a common stereotype, it oversimplifies the economic dynamics between the North and South. Northerners in the South often engage in informal sector jobs—such as okada (motorcycle taxi) riding, shoemaking, and street vending—that, while not highly taxable, fill critical gaps in the urban economy. These roles provide affordable services to low-income southerners, supporting the daily functioning of cities. Moreover, the claim that northerners “don’t invest” ignores the remittances they send back to the North, which, while not directly benefiting the South, contribute to the national economy by supporting families and communities in a region grappling with systemic poverty.
A 2010 study cited by the Center for Global Development (CGD) highlights the stark economic disparity between the North and South. Between 2004 and 2010, Nigeria’s poverty rate rose from 58.05% to 70.80%, with the North bearing the brunt of this increase. Oil-producing southern states receive higher federal allocations and generate more internal revenue, while the North struggles with underfunded infrastructure and limited access to education. The proliferation of private universities in the South since 1999 has further widened the educational gap, with the North experiencing a drop in college registration rates. This economic and educational disparity pushes many northerners to migrate south in search of opportunities, often taking up low-paying, informal jobs that southerners may overlook.
The Cycle of Violence and Mutual Distrust
The Edo massacre is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence and mistrust between the North and South. @Prezain_LJ’s follow-up post accused northerners of being vocal about the Edo killings while remaining silent on “reoccurring gruesome murders their kinsmen have meted on the people of Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, etc.” This sentiment echoes @Martins_247’s earlier accusation of northern hypocrisy, pointing to historical grievances such as the destruction of crops by northern herders and the violence perpetrated by groups like Boko Haram.
Boko Haram, a northern-based terrorist group, has been a significant source of instability since the late 1990s. According to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the group seeks to overthrow the Nigerian government and establish an Islamic regime, conducting attacks not only in Nigeria but also in neighboring countries like Cameroon and Chad. Its 2014 kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in Borno State drew international condemnation, and its activities have since deterred foreign investment in the North, exacerbating the region’s economic challenges. The CGD notes that the Nigerian government, currently led by a northerner, has been exploring oil in the North to address this economic imbalance, but progress remains slow.
On the other hand, the Edo massacre highlights the dangers of stereotyping and mob justice in the South. The Hausa travelers were targeted based on assumptions about their intentions, fueled by the broader narrative of northerners as perpetrators of crime. This narrative, while rooted in real incidents of violence, often ignores the diversity within the northern population and the systemic factors—such as poverty and lack of education—that contribute to crime rates. The Hausa community in Uromi, by holding an emergency meeting to prevent reprisals, demonstrated a commitment to peace that contrasts with the violent stereotypes often applied to northerners.
Bridging the Divide: A Path Forward
The North-South divide in Nigeria is a complex issue, rooted in historical, economic, and political disparities. The Edo massacre and the subsequent X discussions reveal the deep-seated mistrust that fuels this divide, with both sides harboring grievances that perpetuate a cycle of blame and violence. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles both the symptoms and the root causes of the divide.
First, there must be a concerted effort to combat stereotypes and promote dialogue between communities. The Nigerian government, civil society, and media can play a role in highlighting the contributions of all regions to the national economy, while also addressing the systemic inequalities that drive migration and crime. For instance, increasing federal allocations to the North, as suggested by the CGD, could help reduce poverty and create opportunities that discourage migration under desperate circumstances.
Second, security reforms are essential to break the cycle of violence. The Edo massacre underscores the dangers of vigilante justice, which often targets innocent people based on ethnic profiling. Strengthening law enforcement and ensuring that security agencies, rather than mobs, handle suspected crimes can prevent such tragedies. At the same time, the government must intensify efforts to combat groups like Boko Haram, whose actions have deepened southern perceptions of the North as a source of insecurity.
Finally, education and economic empowerment are key to bridging the North-South gap. The educational disparity highlighted by the CGD—particularly the lack of private universities in the North—must be addressed through targeted investments in northern institutions. Vocational training programs can also equip northerners with skills for formal sector jobs, enabling them to contribute more visibly to the southern economy and challenging the narrative of economic irrelevance.
The events of March 2025, from the Edo massacre to the heated discussions on X, reflect the deep fractures in Nigeria’s North-South relationship. While @Prezain_LJ’s post raises valid concerns about economic contributions and crime, it also perpetuates stereotypes that fuel division. Northerners, too, have legitimate grievances, as seen in the tragic loss of life in Edo and the systemic poverty that drives migration. Both sides must move beyond blame and work toward mutual understanding, supported by government policies that address inequality and insecurity. Only through dialogue, reform, and investment can Nigeria hope to bridge the North-South divide and build a more cohesive future.
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