In a tragic incident in Edo State’s Etsako East local government area, three farmers have lost their lives to suspected herdsmen.
The attack occurred on Tuesday as they were headed to their farms in the Okpekpe community, and another individual was assaulted in Itsukwi village.
Reports indicate that seven more individuals managed to escape but sustained machete injuries during the assault.
Witnesses noted that the attackers gruesomely slit the victims’ throats.
The Executive Chairman of the Etsako East Local Government Council, Hon. Benedicta Attoh, expressed her anguish over the persistent killings attributed to Fulani herdsmen and armed groups in the area.
Attoh described Etsako East as a “killing field,” stating:
“My people are being slaughtered mercilessly. Daily fatalities leave us in shock; the exact toll is unknown as many bodies remain undiscovered in the bushes. No part of our territory is safe anymore, even our roads and farms. A similar situation led to violent retaliation in Agenebode, resulting in a police station being set ablaze along with numerous fatalities and property damage,” the local government chairman remarked.
“We must allow the youth to protect their communities. While we urge restraint to prevent further conflict, it’s imperative that higher authorities take decisive action in leading our efforts.”