Edo Governor Okpebholo Laments As Armed Men Kill 24 Persons In Farmers-Herders Clashes
The first attack erupted in the agrarian community of Gbelemotin, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, following clashes between cocoa farmers and alleged produce thieves.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to deploy heightened security measures and bring perpetrators of deadly violence across the state that claimed 24 lives in two separate incidents in a week to justice.
The first attack erupted in the agrarian community of Gbelemotin, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, following clashes between cocoa farmers and alleged produce thieves.
Initial reports from the Edo State Police Command indicated seven fatalities, but local sources confirmed at least 22 deaths.
The violence began on Thursday night and escalated Friday morning when sympathisers of the victims launched a counterattack, resulting in further casualties.
Militants reportedly involved in the clashes also destroyed buildings and farm produce worth millions of naira across seven farming communities in the area.
In a separate incident on Monday, suspected herders killed two residents — Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello — in Okpekpe community, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The attack has heightened tensions in the region, already grappling with farmer-herder conflicts.
However, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo described the attacks as “devastating” and reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward violence.
The governor pledged support for displaced families and collaboration with security agencies, traditional leaders, and communities to prevent future outbreaks.
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.”
