In this article:
- Details of the deadly attack on Edo farming communities.
- Eyewitness accounts of the violence and destruction.
- Possible motives behind the attack, including a reprisal for the killing of a suspected cocoa thief.
- Police and community responses to the crisis.
- Desperate pleas for government intervention and security measures.
Gunmen Unleash Terror on Edo Farming Communities
In a shocking turn of events, at least 22 people are feared dead following a brutal attack on seven farming settlements in the Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State. The incident occurred on Friday, February 21st, leaving communities like Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, and others devastated.
These communities, primarily inhabited by farmers from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Benin, were caught completely off guard.
What Happened That Fateful Morning?
Eyewitnesses paint a grim picture of the attack. Assailants, suspected to be Ijaw militants from nearby creeks, descended upon the settlements in the early hours of the morning. Armed with guns and other weapons, they unleashed a wave of terror, shooting indiscriminately, setting houses ablaze, and destroying property.
The onslaught forced residents to flee for their lives, abandoning their homes and livelihoods. One witness described the scene as absolute pandemonium, with people running in all directions to escape the violence.
Was it a Reprisal Attack?
Initial reports suggest that the attack may have been a reprisal for the killing of a suspected cocoa thief by local vigilantes employed by the farmers. This incident reportedly heightened existing tensions between the farmers and the alleged militants, who have been accused of encroaching on farmland and stealing produce.
While the police have confirmed fatalities and injuries, they are attributing the incident to a communal clash. CSP Moses Yamu, Public Relations Officer of the command, stated that a joint operation involving the police, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes has been launched to restore normalcy and investigate the cause of the clash.
Communities Left in Ruins
The aftermath of the attack has left the affected communities in ruins. Many homes have been reduced to ashes, and the once-thriving farming areas now resemble ghost towns. A mass exodus of displaced persons has been observed, with residents carrying their belongings in search of safer areas.
Voices of the Displaced: A Cry for Help
Igbala Obazuaye, the distraught head of Marindoti community, recounted how their years of farming in the area were disrupted by youths demanding royalties. He stated, “It started in 1998 when some youths began encroaching on our land, stealing our crops, and kidnapping our people, notwithstanding the payment of the royalties.”
Another resident, identified as Obazuaye, who sustained bullet wounds, said the assailants invaded his community around 8 a.m., killing seven persons in his community alone. According to him, the assailants burnt cocoa, kola nuts, and cash worth more than N20 million. He appealed for military protection, the establishment of a local police station, and assistance in rebuilding their communities.
Nafisat Abdulazeez, a resident of Dipe community, described the experience as traumatic and called for the immediate intervention of Gov. Monday Okpebholo. She reported that at least 15 people were killed in her community, with many more missing.
Joseph Otu refuted the claim that the attack was communal, asserting that it was an unprovoked assault by militants seeking to extort and terrorize peaceful farmers. He urged authorities to deploy security forces to safeguard the area, emphasizing the communities’ significant contributions to the state’s economy.
A Call for Lasting Solutions
Usman Mukaila of Dipe community commended the swift deployment of the Nigerian Army, calling for the establishment of a permanent Army base in the area. “We are crying, we really need his help. You can see all our women and children leaving,” he pleaded.
The recent violence in Edo State highlights the urgent need for improved security measures and conflict resolution strategies in farming communities across Nigeria. The government and relevant stakeholders must work together to address the root causes of these conflicts and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
Cocoa Production in Nigeria: A Key Economic Driver
It’s crucial to remember that these communities are not just statistics. They are vital contributors to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly in cocoa production. Nigeria is a major cocoa-producing nation, and these farming communities play a critical role in the country’s economy. Protecting them is not just a matter of security; it’s an economic imperative. According to the Statista Research Department, Nigeria produced 280,000 metric tons of cocoa beans in 2023.
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