Onobun Decries Herdsmen Attack As Woman is Shot in Both Legs and Hunter Killed

By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City

A woman is battling for her life after being shot in both legs, and a young hunter has been murdered, as terror continues to grip communities in Esan West and Igueben Local Government Areas of Edo State.

Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun (KSC), Member Representing Esan West, Esan Central, and Igueben Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, who disclosed this in a statement by Ivy Ebojele is Chief Press Secretary also condemned the latest wave of brutal attacks allegedly carried out by herdsmen.

Reacting to the overnight invasion of Udo community in Igueben Local Government, where homes were allegedly invaded destroyed and several residents were maimed, Onobun expressed profound outrage.

“It is heartbreaking and completely unacceptable that our people cannot sleep with their eyes closed,” he said. “The Federal Government must not continue to watch as our communities are turned into killing fields.”

In Emaudo, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government, panic gripped residents as a woman, in a desperate bid to escape from an attack, was shot in both legs by suspected herdsmen. Eyewitnesses said she was left bleeding on the ground for hours before help arrived.

“This poor woman did not deserve this inhuman treatment,” Onobun said. “Her only crime was trying to run for her life. Where is the value for human life in this country?”

Equally tragic was the death of a young hunter, identified as Ehigie, who lost his life while trying to rescue hostages from a kidnappers’ den in Udo. Locals hailed him as a hero, lamenting that his sacrifice had once again exposed the glaring gaps in the security architecture.

Onobun criticized the state government and security agencies in Edo State for maintaining silence and lack of prompt action in the wake of the tragedies.

“The State Government’s failure to visit the affected communities or even acknowledge the sufferings of our people is appalling,” he declared. “We cannot allow our people to continue living in fear and despair.”

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently direct the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to beef up security in Edo State.

“We need creative and aggressive strategies to defeat this wave of terror. Our people deserve better,” Onobun insisted.

Meanwhile leaders of herders’ communities in Edo State are said to be seeking inclusion among vigilante groups providing security in parts of Edo Central Senatorial District.

They made the request at a security meeting held in Uromi, Esan Northeast local government area convened by the Ojuromi of Uromi, His Royal Majesty Anslem Okojie Aidenojie II.

According to the unidentified leader who spoke at the event, including herders in local vigilante operations would enhance communication and collaboration, especially since many members of their communities do not understand English.

Another speaker, Dr. Ugege Joseph Eromonsele, President of the United Uromi Youths Association (UUYA), emphasized the need for stronger law enforcement measures against the security challenges.

“We call for the establishment of more police checkpoints at strategic locations in Uromi and proper monitoring and allocation of designated areas for scavengers to prevent theft and threats to residents,” he said.

He added, “Uromi citizens must be encouraged to actively pursue legal action against criminal herdsmen to uphold justice and security.”

In a related development, the Onojie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Anthony Abumere II, has hosted a Security Stakeholders Meeting at the weekend, aimed at devising strategies to curb the menace of kidnapping in the town.

The enlarged meeting, convened at the instance of the monarch, had in attendance the Police Area Commander, Divisional Police Officer and his Deputy Crime Officer (DCO).

Others were members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Edo State Security Network, palace chiefs, and representatives of the Arewa, Igbo, Yoruba, and other ethnic communities.

Various security challenges bedeviling the community were discussed, and practical solutions, along with strategies for implementation, were agreed upon.