A wave of deadly violence in Edo State has claimed 24 lives in two separate incidents within a week, sparking outrage and concern. The first attack erupted in the agrarian community of Gbelemotin, located in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, following clashes between cocoa farmers and suspected produce thieves. Initial reports from the Edo State Police Command confirmed seven fatalities, but local sources now indicate that at least 22 people were killed during the violence, which began late Thursday night and escalated into a counterattack by sympathizers on Friday morning.
The violence, allegedly perpetrated by militants, led to the destruction of buildings and valuable farm produce, estimated to be worth millions of naira, across seven farming communities in the region. The attacks have left the local farming population devastated, heightening tensions in the area.
In a separate and equally disturbing incident, suspected herders killed two residents, Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello, on Monday in Okpekpe community, Etsako East Local Government Area. This incident is a continuation of the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts that have plagued the region, further escalating the sense of insecurity and fear among local residents.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to take swift and decisive action in response to these violent outbreaks. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor expressed his devastation over the killings and reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward violence. He promised to deploy heightened security measures to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent future occurrences.
The statement read in part, The governor also denounced the killing of two farmers, Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello, in Okpekpe community, Etsako East Local Government Area, by suspected herdsmen on Monday. The devastating attack on seven farming communities in Ovia South-West, which left 22 people dead and several others injured, was reportedly carried out by militants. The militants also destroyed buildings and farm produce worth millions of naira.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness in Edo State. We will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice and will do everything in our power to prevent such incidents in the future, the statement continued.
To address the escalating violence, Governor Okpebholo has ordered the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the affected areas. He also promised support for displaced families and emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies, traditional leaders, and local communities to prevent further outbreaks.
We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Edo State residents. We will work closely with security agencies, traditional leaders, and community members to achieve this goal,Governor Okpebholo affirmed. We urge everyone to remain calm and go about their normal business. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the situation is brought under control.
As the violence continues to stir fear and unrest, all eyes are on the governor’s response to these deadly attacks and his efforts to restore peace and stability to the region.
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