Protesters storm Edo govt house with corpse of victim from herdsmen attack

Some Edo residents marched to Government House, Benin with the body of one of the seven persons killed in Ugboke, Oshodi, Okokodo, Ariyan and Yoruba camp in Ovie Northeast Local Government Area by suspected herdsmen on Thursday evening.

The protesters also gave the state governor, Godwin Obaseki a three-day ultimatum to ensure adequate security of lives and properties

Michael Idahosa, the leader of the protests disclosed that residents of the affected communities could no longer bear the incessant attacks by the criminal herdsmen.

He said: “We are here to protest the killings by herdsmen in our communities. Governor Godwin Obaseki came to Ovia Northeast LGA in 2017 when herdsmen killed one of our persons and he promised to tackle the problem of herdsmen in our area, but Edo State government did not address the issue.”

READ ALSO: Suspected herdsmen attack Edo communities, kill seven

Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, who received the protesters, said “As a state, we have made up our mind not to lament, but to look for solutions on how to protect our country and our state.

“There was also an attack in the early hours of today in Niger State. It is a national problem. As we speak now, Governor Obaseki and other governors are in Abuja to discuss this insecurity issue in our country.

“You will remember that we are bringing in local vigilance members to collaborate with law enforcement agencies. We are strengthening our system and we will still need your support.

“We do not want to take laws into our own hands, but at the same time, we cannot fold our arms and watch the people kill us. Take it easy; some bodies are yet to be found, I have had a discussion with the security agencies. Their personnel will move into the area.

“I can assure you that they will recover bodies of all the victims and we will intensify the security in the area.

“We will categorise the area as one of the flashpoints in Edo State. So that you can sleep with your eyes closed.”

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