Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday has condemned the recent unrest in the state, which he said has claimed 24 lives.
The violence reportedly began on Thursday night through Friday morning when the allies of those murdered initiated a revenge, leading to more casualties.
According to Punch, the first clash reportedly claimed 22 lives, an incident that occurred between cocoa farmers and alleged produce thieves in the agrarian community of Gbelemotin in Ovia South-West Local Government Area.
Up against the seven deaths initially reported by the Edo State Police Command, sources confirmed a higher toll.
Also, in a separate incident, two residents of Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government Area, named Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bellowere, were reportedly killed on Monday by suspected herders.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua in a statement declared the state’s zero-tolerance policy for violence, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“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.”
Governor Okpebholo, however, has deployed additional security personnel to the affected areas, promising to support affected communities.
He stated, “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.”
