The tranquil farming community of Ikabigbo in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, has been thrown into mourning after a retired secondary school teacher, Mr Andrew Imuekheme, was brutally killed by suspected herdsmen.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, as the 60-year-old was returning from his farm. Witnesses said Imuekheme ran into armed herders, who abducted and dragged him into the bush before killing him. His body was later discovered bearing both gunshot wounds and machete cuts.
According to locals, a woman had earlier escaped from the attackers and raised the alarm, prompting vigilantes and hunters to comb the surrounding bush. During the search, they found Imuekheme’s motorcycle and shoes, before stumbling upon his corpse.
The traditional ruler of Ikabigbo, Chief Braimah Alegeh, condemned the killing, describing his subjects as “peace-loving farmers” and urging urgent intervention from government and security agencies.
“This is not the first time our community is being attacked. We are predominantly farmers and peace-loving people. Government and security agents should come to our aid so that we have peace,” Chief Alegeh said.
The Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, said he was attending a function and would respond to inquiries later.
This latest attack brings to three the number of residents killed in similar circumstances in Ikabigbo, following the murders of a Catholic priest and the local hunters’ chairman two years ago.
Imuekheme is survived by his aged father, now in his 90s, and other grieving family members. His death has reignited fears over worsening insecurity in Edo’s rural communities.