Our reporter
A violent altercation between a farmer and a suspected cattle herder in Ugbo-Ayon Community, Edo State, has left the farmer critically injured and hospitalised. The herder, now in police custody, reportedly attacked the farmer during a dispute over crop destruction by cattle.
The incident occurred Tuesday morning in the Uhunmwode Local Government Area when the farmer, accompanied by his brother, confronted the herder for feeding cattle with cassava and yams from their farmland. Eyewitnesses claim the confrontation escalated into a heated argument before the herder pulled out a knife and stabbed the farmer, leaving his stomach severely injured.
Speaking to reporters, the victim’s brother, Boniface, recounted the harrowing event. “We were harvesting yam when we saw the herder cutting down our crops to feed his cattle. I asked him to leave, but he attacked my brother with a knife. My brother is now in the hospital, and we’re unsure if he will survive due to the severity of his injuries,” he said.
Residents of Ugbo-Ayon, including an eyewitness named Samson, corroborated Boniface’s account. Samson expressed deep concerns over the growing tension between farmers and herders, stating that the livelihood of the community is under threat. “Farming is our only source of income, but these herders are making it impossible. The government needs to intervene before we lose more lives,” he pleaded.
The herder attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by villagers who chased him down. He was subsequently handed over to officers at the Okhuaihie Police Division.
Community elder, Mr. Saturday Edo, highlighted the broader challenges faced by the village due to herder activities. “We’ve been dealing with threats and attacks for a long time. Just last week, three people were kidnapped in this area. We live in constant fear,” he lamented.
Residents are calling on the Edo State government and law enforcement agencies to provide greater security and address the recurring conflicts between farmers and herders.
The Edo State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, the injured farmer remains under medical care, with his family struggling to fund his treatment.
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