Suspected herders used machetes to murder two farmers, Lucky Salami and Julius Arewa, in Eware village, Etsako West local government area, on Thursday.
Omokhagbon Abu, also known as Udugboya, is reportedly fighting for his life at an unidentified hospital. This new murder occurs less than three days after Governor Okpebholo demanded increased protection in regions like Ivbiaro in Owan East and Okpekpe in Etsako East, where suspected Fulani herdsmen killed three persons by similar means.
In confirming the incident, Hon. Marvelous Zibiri, the embattled chairman of the Etsako West local government area, stated that the killings occurred in Eware Village, Ward 8 Anwain, and that the perpetrators are thought to be Fulani herdsmen.
In a statement by his Press Secretary, Iyamah Nurudeen quoted Zibiri as saying “This dastardly and heinous act has not only claimed the innocent lives of two individuals but has also left other injured victims hospitalized, thereby instilling fear and unrest in the peaceful community of Eware and its environs.”
He emphasized that the local government will not put up with any kind of violence or lawlessness that endangers the lives and means of subsistence of its citizens, calling the occurrence a savage and intolerable conduct that threatened the peace and security of Etsako West Local Government Area.
He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and urged the Edo State Government and pertinent security forces to look into the issue as soon as possible and make sure that those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable.
In order to safeguard farmers, who are the foundation of the local economy, and to stop such acts of violence from happening again, he emphasized the necessity of a greater security presence in rural areas.
Zibiri urged everyone to maintain composure and follow the law. He urged community leaders and stakeholders to collaborate with security agencies by providing useful information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits.
When contacted, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), Friday Ibadin said “call the lead agency, the police”
The Edo State Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu said he was yet to get the details of the incident from the police in the area but will give details once the information is received.
