Two farmers have been killed by gunmen believed to be Fulani herdsmen in the Okpekpe community, located in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. The tragic incident occurred on Monday, when the victims, identified as Philip Batemue (also known as Ebo) and Christopher Bello, were attacked on their way to their farms.
The news was shared by the Council chairman, Hon. (Princess) Benedicta Attoh, through her Chief Press Secretary, Benjamin Atu. Hon. Attoh condemned the killings, expressing frustration over the on-going violence in the area and criticising the Federal Government’s apparent inaction in addressing the crisis. She called for a stronger response, urging the military to be deployed to remote bush and farmland areas to provide farmers with much-needed security.
Speaking on the increasing insecurity in the community, Hon. Attoh stated: “The community of Etsako East has become a killing field, with marauding herders and militias wreaking havoc. It is critical that we tackle this rising tide of violence immediately.”
She also appealed to the State government to strengthen security measures by deploying local vigilantes, a strategy she has successfully implemented in the past to protect the area.
At the time of writing, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Joel Yamu, confirmed he had not yet been briefed on the incident.
