An attack on Ukhun community in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State has left one person feared dead and several others injured, prompting urgent calls for government intervention and heightened security measures.
The attack, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen, occurred on Saturday, despite ongoing state government efforts to address criminal activities in the region.
A graphic one-minute, 30-second video circulating on social media captured the immediate aftermath and the palpable fear gripping the community. In the video, a distressed voice reports:
“Situation report, situation report. This is Ukhun Community in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. We are under attack. Ukhun Kingdom is under attack.
“The Fulani herdsmen have blocked the road. They killed Mr. Dan, an Igbira man living in Ukhun, in the bush this morning, and we are still searching for others who are missing.
“We need government support; we need rescue. Please, anyone who can help, we are reporting live from Ukhun, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. This is a situation report.”
Local sources claim the suspected herdsmen ambushed farmers en route to their farmlands, allegedly attempting to kidnap them. The farmers reportedly escaped, attributing their survival to what they described as divine intervention.
Residents expressed growing concern over the increasing frequency of such attacks and kidnappings. “Ukhun is in dire need of government intervention and assistance to protect our people,” lamented Omoigiade, a resident of the community.
Alex Eguakhide, Chief Executive Officer of FECHA Project Ltd, echoed these sentiments, urging the Edo State government to take decisive action.
“Nowhere is safe anymore for my people,” Eguakhide stressed. “Something must be done urgently to arrest the situation and bring these invaders to justice.” he added.
He emphasized that the residents of Ukhun, predominantly peasant farmers, are living in constant fear. The insecurity has severely impacted the agrarian community, rendering many unable to farm and provide for their families.
This incident follows a similar attack last month. Residents recalled the February 2025 ambush and kidnapping of Mallam Bello Obadan, who was severely injured while heading to his farm. He was macheted and left for dead, eventually rescued and hospitalized for three months, incurring significant medical expenses.
According to reports, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpoma, Solomon Ekeweye, led a team of officers to assess the crime scene. The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Joel Yamu, stated that the command was not yet briefed on the incident but pledged to investigate and provide updates. However, no further information was available at press time.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Onojie of Ukhun, Zaiki Thomas Aboiralor Omoigiade, has directly appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Commissioner of Police Betty Nekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, Director of DSS Bello Bakori, Director of Edo State Security Network CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd), and Ekpoma Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to urgently intervene and safeguard the lives and property of the Ukhun community. The community awaits a swift and decisive response from state authorities to address the growing security concerns and restore peace to the region.
