Suspected armed herdsmen launched a deadly attack on two communities in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State in the early hours of today, around 2:00 a.m.
The assault reportedly left several people feared dead, with multiple houses set ablaze, throwing the affected communities into a state of fear and chaos.
Witnesses recount that the attackers stormed the area heavily armed, unleashing violence on residents and torching homes.
“They came in the dead of the night, shooting sporadically. Many people were killed, and several houses were burned down. We had to run for our lives,” a resident, who requested anonymity, told journalists.
Another survivor described the attack as well-coordinated, claiming that the gunmen targeted specific households before setting them on fire.
“The entire community is in panic. People have fled into the bushes for safety, and we don’t know the full extent of the casualties yet.”
Casualties and Security Response
The exact number of casualties remains unclear, as security operatives and emergency responders are still working to assess the situation.
A security source confirmed that a joint team of police officers and vigilantes had been deployed to the affected areas to restore order and track down the attackers.
“We are currently assessing the situation. Officers have been deployed to the communities, and investigations are ongoing,” a police spokesperson said.
Growing Security Concerns in Edo State
This latest attack raises fresh concerns over security in Edo State, particularly regarding the menace of armed herdsmen in rural communities.
Farmers and villagers in Edo and other parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt and South-South regions have repeatedly decried attacks linked to suspected herdsmen, leading to calls for stronger security measures and decisive government action.
Government and Community Leaders React
Local leaders have condemned the attack, urging the federal and state governments to intervene immediately.
A traditional ruler in the area lamented the rising insecurity, stating that rural communities are now living in constant fear.
“We have been crying out for help, but it seems no one is listening. How many more people must die before the government takes serious action?”
The Edo State Government is yet to issue an official statement, but sources say Governor Godwin Obaseki has been briefed on the situation.
Calls for Justice and Swift Action
The attack has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Civic groups and human rights organizations have also renewed their demands for the government to strengthen security in rural communities and address the root causes of these violent clashes.
As security forces work to contain the situation and assess the full extent of the damage, affected residents are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed.
