Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to bolster security measures and ensure those responsible for recent deadly attacks that claimed 24 lives in two separate incidents within a week are brought to justice.
The first incident occurred in the agrarian community of Gbelemotin, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, following clashes between cocoa farmers and suspected produce thieves.
While the Edo State Police Command initially reported seven deaths, local sources confirmed at least 22 fatalities.
The violence began on Thursday night and intensified on Friday morning when sympathizers of the victims launched a counterattack, leading to more casualties.
Militants involved in the conflict also razed buildings and destroyed farm produce valued at millions of naira across seven farming communities in the area.
In a separate attack on Monday, suspected herders killed two residents — Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello — in Okpekpe community, Etsako East Local Government Area, further escalating tensions in a region already struggling with farmer-herder conflicts.
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In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo condemned the attacks as “devastating” and reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violence.
He promised support for displaced families and committed to working with security agencies, traditional leaders, and local communities to prevent future incidents.
The statement reads in part; “The governor also denounced the killing of two farmers, Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello, in Okpekpe community, Etsako East Local Government Area, by suspected herdsmen on Monday.
“The devastating attack on seven farming communities in Ovia South-West, which left 22 people dead and several others injured, was reportedly carried out by militants. The militants also destroyed buildings and farm produce worth millions of naira.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness in Edo State.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice and will do everything in our power to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to the affected areas and promised support for affected communities.
He added, “We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Edo State residents. We will work closely with security agencies, traditional leaders, and community members to achieve this goal.
“We urge everyone to remain calm and go about their normal business. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the situation is brought under control.”
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