The agrarian community of Ukhun in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State was thrown into mourning as suspected heavily armed herdsmen unleashed terror, killing one person and leaving several others injured.

This attack comes shortly after a similar incident in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area, where two farmers lost their lives. The recurring violence underscores rising insecurity in the state, despite efforts by the government to curb the menace of killer herdsmen and kidnappers.

A distressing one-and-a-half-minute video circulating on social media captured the emotional outcry of residents pleading for urgent intervention from the police and the state government.

In the footage, a voice narrates: “Situation report, situation report! This is Ukhun Community in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. We are under attack! Ukhun Kingdom is under attack! Fulani herdsmen have blocked the road. They killed Mr. Dan, an Igbira man, in the bush this morning, and we are still searching for others who are missing. We need government support; we need rescue. Please, anyone who can help, this is a situation report.”

Eyewitnesses revealed that the assailants ambushed farmers on their way to their farms, attempting to kidnap them. However, the victims managed to escape. Residents lamented that such attacks have become disturbingly frequent.

They recalled a recent incident where Bello Obadan was ambushed, macheted, and kidnapped. He sustained deep cuts on his nose and other parts of his body before collapsing from excessive blood loss. Believing he was dead, his abductors abandoned him. He survived after spending three months in the hospital, incurring massive medical expenses.

The traditional ruler of Ukhun, His Royal Highness Thomas Aboiralor Omoigiade, has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo, Commissioner of Police Betty Otimenyin, and the Edo State Security Network to intervene and safeguard the community.

“Ukhun is in dire need of government intervention to protect our people,” the monarch appealed.

Similarly, Alex Eguakhide, Chief Executive Officer of FECHA Project Ltd, urged the state government to take decisive action, emphasizing that residents now live in constant fear.

“Nowhere is safe anymore for my people. Something must be done urgently to bring these invaders to justice,” he said.

Reports indicate that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpoma, Solomon Ekeweye, led a team of officers to assess the crime scene.

When contacted, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, stated that the command was yet to be briefed on the incident but assured that investigations would be conducted, with updates provided in due course.