Suspected Fulani herdsmen launched a deadly attack on Ukhun community in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, leaving one person feared dead and others injured.
The attack, which occurred over the weekend, was captured in a viral video where a resident raised an alarm over the deteriorating security situation.
In the footage, the distressed voice reported that armed herders had blocked roads, killed a man identified as Mr Dan, and left several others missing in the bush.
“We are under attack. The Fulani herdsmen have taken over. We need urgent help,” the resident appealed.
Reports indicate that the attackers ambushed farmers heading to their fields, attempting to abduct them. Fortunately, they managed to escape unharmed.
Residents decried the growing insecurity, citing a previous case in February when a farmer, Mallam Bello Obadan, was brutally attacked and abducted.
His captors inflicted deep machete wounds on him before abandoning him, assuming he was dead. He survived but spent months in the hospital recovering.
Amid rising fears, the Onojie of Ukhun, Zaiki Thomas Omoigiade, has called on the state government and security agencies for swift intervention.
“Ukhun is in urgent need of protection. Our people can no longer farm in peace,” he lamented.
Similarly, business leader Alex Eguakhide urged the government to take decisive action, warning that the attacks have left farmers unable to work, worsening food insecurity in the area.
“This situation has made life unbearable. People can barely feed their families because they fear for their lives,” he said.
In response, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpoma, Solomon Ekeweye, led officers to inspect the crime scene.
Meanwhile, Edo State Police Command spokesperson Moses Yamu stated that the command had not yet received an official report on the incident but promised to investigate.