The House of Representatives on Wednesday took steps to curb the rate of incessant killings in Edo state.
It particularly urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy additional security personnel to the Okpekpe community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, given the recent killings of innocent persons by suspected herdsmen.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, moved by the member representing Esan West/Esan East/Igueben Federal Constituency of Edo state, Hon. Marcus Onobun, at plenary.
Moving the motion, Onobun lamented that Edo State, hitherto known for its peaceful ambience, is gradually becoming a troubled spot owing to the violent campaign of herdsmen.
He expressed concern that the nation’s heartbeat is losing its rhythmic pulse, as the state has recently been clobbered by dire insecurity challenges.
“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,” he added.
The lawmaker expressed worry that these series of bloodbaths in Edo State have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among the people of the state, affecting the socio-economic lives of the people.
Onobun observed that the Government of Edo seemed to have been overwhelmed by the spate and frequency of these killings, hence the need for the Federal Government to lend “a helping hand to the state to curb this ugly menace.”
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