The Police Command in Edo State has confirmed the killing of two farmers in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government, by suspected herdsmen.
The victims, identified as Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello, were reportedly attacked on their way to the farm on Monday.
Confirming the incident, CSP Moses Yamu, Public Relations Officer of the command, said the attack was reported by the Chief of Okpekpe at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday.
“The command received a report today at about 0900hrs from the Chief of Okpekpe that two of his subjects were attacked and killed in their farms by suspected herdsmen.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and mobile police officers deployed in Uzanu arrived at the scene and found their lifeless bodies,” Yamu stated.
In response to the killings, Yamu said the police had reviewed security arrangements in the area to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
“Security arrangements in the area have been reviewed to go after the criminals and forestall reoccurrence,” he added.
The killing occurred three days after 23 farmers were feared killed in an attack on seven farming settlements in Ovia South West Local Government of the state.
The attacks have heightened concerns over rising insecurity in rural communities, particularly in farming settlements where farmers have suffered repeated attacks.
PDP condemns attack on Edo community
Meanwhile, the Edo chapter of the PDP has condemned the attack on the people of Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government by gunmen, leading to the gruesome murder of two farmers.
In a statement by Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, the party expressed disappointment over the killing of Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello.
It was gathered that Ebo and Bello were attacked and killed on their way to their farms.
The statement reads: “We are deeply saddened by the heinous attack on the people of Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government by suspected herdsmen, which led to the gruesome murder of two innocent citizens
“We condemn this dastardly act in the strongest terms and send our heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, and the entire community during this difficult time,” Nehikhare said.
The party urged the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo to take urgent and decisive steps to check the situation before it degenerates out of control.