Metro
Gunmen attack Edo farming communities kill dozens, destroy properties
A brutal assault on seven farming settlements in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State has left a trail of death and destruction, with reports indicating at least 23 fatalities and numerous injuries. The harrowing incident, which occurred on Friday, February 21st, has displaced hundreds and plunged the once-thriving agrarian communities into chaos.
The targeted settlements—Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, Kola Village, Taiye Camp, Eto Camp, Dipe Community, Bala Dele Community, and Thousand Community—were home to a diverse population of farmers from Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Benin ethnic backgrounds. Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of armed assailants, suspected to be Ijaw militants, unleashing indiscriminate violence, setting homes ablaze, and destroying property.
While police reports confirm seven deaths and six injuries, residents claim the toll is significantly higher, with some reporting as many as 15 fatalities in individual communities. The attack, believed to be a reprisal for the killing of a suspected cocoa thief by local vigilantes, has exacerbated existing tensions between farmers and alleged militants accused of land encroachment and theft.
The devastation is palpable. Homes lie in ruins, and displaced residents, carrying meager belongings, have fled in fear. Igbala Obazuaye, head of Marindoti community, recounted years of extortion and violence, highlighting the breakdown of law and order. Other survivors, like Nafisat Abdulazeez, detailed the sheer terror of the attack, pleading for urgent government intervention.
Despite the police’s assertion of a “communal clash,” residents insist the attack was an unprovoked act of terror aimed at extorting and intimidating peaceful farmers. They have called for increased security presence, including a permanent army base, and assistance in rebuilding their shattered lives.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, has vowed a thorough investigation, while the deployment of troops from the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has brought a semblance of calm. However, the deep scars of this tragedy and the urgent need for lasting security and support remain.
There is tension among residents of Ikakumo community in Akoko Northeast local government area of Ondo state over the killing of a herdsman during a clash with vigilance group in the locality.
Two other persons including Commander of the vigilance were injured in the clash.
Some residents in the community said they were afraid of reprisal attacks from the herdsmen.
It was gathered that the clash occurred when a member of vigilance group challenged a herdsman who last month kidnapped one Balogun at Ikakumo community in Edo state.
A fracas ensued between the herdsmen and the vigilance group with one of the herders was stabbed to death.
The two injured persons were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
Ondo Police spokesman, Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, confirmed the incident and said investigation has commenced.
The District Head of Odugbeho in Agatu Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state, Chief Anthony Adejoh has been murdered by suspected armed herdsmen.
Reports have it that the royal father and one Jerry John were gruesomely murdered Wednesday afternoon by the marauders at Otobi-Akpa in Otukpo LGA.
The duo were said to be working in their farms in Otobi when the marauders stormed the area and opened fire on them.
They were later discovered dead when the people who heard the sound of gunshots dashed to the scene and found them dead.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Marvis Ejeh, said Chief Adejo was gruesomely killed on his farm at Akpa-Otobi by armed herders who invaded the area at about 10 am.
He described late royal father as a peace builder, an astute community builder and a community leader who would be greatly missed by all.
The Chairman said, “I can confirm to you that the district head of Odugbeho, Chief Tony Adej,o has been killed. He was killed by some armed herdsmen while working on his farm at Otobi in Otukpo LGA of the State.
“Despite hearing this ugly news, Odugbeho community is calm, our people are calm because we will not take law into our hands.
“Nobody is taking the law into their hands, there is no need for a reprisal attack because the incident did not happen at home. Agatu is calm and peaceful.”
The Agatu Chairman, who enjoined the people to be security conscious wherever they find themselves said “Agatu people residing and farming in other LGAs should be careful and watchful.
“They should liaise with the local authority and know the areas that are safe to work for now, since the government is trying to curb the issue of insecurity in the entire Benue South District or Zone c.”
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Chatherine Anene said she had yet received reports of the incident.
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to prosecute 74 individuals apprehended for violating environmental regulations within the state.
According to the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the suspects were arrested during a coordinated enforcement operation by the state’s Taskforce in the early hours of Tuesday around 1 a.m., targeting key locations across the Lekki axis of Lagos Island.
The enforcement sweep covered areas including the Falomo Bridge, Eko Hotel Roundabout, Oniru Beach, Lekki Phases 1 and 2, and the 1004 Estate. A total of 72 men and two women were taken into custody.
Wahab explained that the operation aimed to restore order and sanitation in the affected areas.
He added that the suspects will face prosecution in accordance with state laws and urged residents to remain law-abiding and committed to maintaining a clean, orderly environment for all.
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