Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to bring perpetrators of recent deadly attacks to justice, following violent incidents that claimed 24 lives in two separate clashes across the state.
The first attack erupted in Gbelemotin, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, after a confrontation between cocoa farmers and suspected produce thieves. Initial police reports indicated seven fatalities, but local sources placed the death toll at 22.
The violence, which began on Thursday night, escalated into a deadly counterattack on Friday, with militants reportedly destroying buildings and farm produce across seven farming communities.
In a separate incident on Monday, suspected herdsmen attacked Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government Area, killing two residents, Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello.
The attack has intensified concerns over the persistent farmer-herder crisis in the region.
Reacting to the incidents, Governor Okpebholo described the killings as “devastating” and reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for violence.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, he condemned the attacks and pledged support for affected families.
“The government will not tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness in Edo State,” the statement read. “We are working tirelessly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice and to prevent future occurrences.”
Governor Okpebholo has ordered the deployment of additional security forces to the affected areas and assured residents of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He urged citizens to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders are working together to restore peace.