Fear and tension have gripped Ukhun, a quiet community in Esan West, Edo State, following a deadly attack by suspected herdsmen that left one person feared dead and several others injured.
The assailants reportedly ambushed farmers on their way to their farmlands on Saturday, attempting to abduct them. In a chilling video now circulating on social media, a distressed voice calls for help, confirming the killing of a resident identified as Mr. Dan, an Igbira man, while others remain missing.
“Ukhun Kingdom is under attack. The Fulani herdsmen have blocked the road… We need government support; we need rescue,” the voice pleads.
This attack adds to a string of violent incidents in the region, with locals recounting similar cases of kidnappings and assaults. Just last month, a farmer, Mallam Bello Obadan, was ambushed, severely macheted, and left for dead by kidnappers who believed he had succumbed to his injuries.
In the wake of the latest attack, the Onojie of Ukhun, Zaiki Thomas Aboiralor Omoigiade, has made an urgent appeal to Governor Monday Okpebholo and security agencies to intervene and protect the community.
“Ukhun is in dire need of government intervention,” the traditional ruler warned.
Similarly, local entrepreneur Alex Eguakhide stressed the rising insecurity has made life unbearable for farmers, who now fear for their lives instead of tending to their crops.
“Nowhere is safe anymore for my people. Something must be done urgently to stop these invasions,” he lamented.
Authorities, including the Ekpoma Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and his team, have visited the crime scene, but as of press time, the Edo State Police Command has yet to confirm the full details of the attack.
