The House of Representatives on Wednesday took decisive steps to address the ongoing killings in Edo State, urging the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy additional security personnel to the Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government Area, which has recently witnessed violent attacks by suspected herdsmen.
The move followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, presented by Hon. Marcus Onobun, the representative for Esan West/Esan East/Igueben Federal Constituency of Edo State, during a plenary session.
Onobun expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Edo State, which was once known for its peaceful atmosphere but is now increasingly plagued by violent activities, particularly by herdsmen. He highlighted that these attacks have brought severe insecurity challenges to the state, which he described as the “nation’s heartbeat” losing its rhythm.
In his address, Onobun referred to a report from the Leadership Newspaper, dated February 26, 2025, which stated that over 32 people had been killed in Edo State due to the activities of marauding herdsmen. He further noted that the report mentioned the gruesome murder of two indigenous individuals in the Okpekpe community on February 24, 2025, allegedly by suspected killer herdsmen. Additionally, he pointed to another incident where at least 28 people were killed during a violent clash between cocoa farmers and Ijaw militants in the Ovia South-West Local Government Area.
The lawmaker emphasized that these repeated acts of violence have instilled fear and uncertainty among the people of Edo State, severely impacting their socio-economic well-being. He noted that the local government seemed overwhelmed by the persistent killings, calling for the Federal Government’s intervention to assist in tackling the crisis.
According to a report published in the online Leadership Newspaper on 26th February 2025, over 32 persons have lost their lives in the state due to the activities of marauders, popularly referred to as killer herdsmen.
“The House notes that the report alleged that two Indigenous individuals in the Okpekpe community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State were gruesomely murdered on Monday, 24th February 2025, by suspected killer herdsmen.
“Similarly, the report also alleged that no fewer than 28 persons were left dead after a violent clash between cocoa farmers and Ijaw militants in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State,” Onobun stated.
