Save us from killer headsmen, Edo Farming Communities cry Out to obaseki

The farming communities in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State have appealled to Governor Godwin Obaseki to save them from killers herders.

They called on the governor to, as a matter of urgency, dispatch relevant security agencies to their communities and forest with a view to flushing out the herdsmen and restore peace in the area.
The residents who came under the aegis of ‘Save Ovia Group’ said the incessant invasion and killing of natives of these communities by herdsmen is becoming worrisome.
The protesters who besieged the premises of the Edo State Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Secretariat, Benin City bore as placards with various inscriptions, and a letter titled ‘Save Our Soul’, signed by Mr. Johnbull Ewaremi on behalf of the communities, and addressed to Obaseki, lamenting that they have become refugees in their own land.
The letter reads in part: “Lately, we have come under heavy attacks from herdsmen who came to sack the dwellers of some of the communities, burnt houses, destroyed household properties, burnt farms and caused their herds to feed on our farm produce.
“As if these were not enough, they have continued their unwholesome mindlessness by killing, maiming, raping of innocent farmers who are out to seek daily bread.
“As we speak now, there is no single soul in Abumwenre II and Igolo communities because these marauders have vowed to kill anyone who steps in there, and also made these communities their camps.
“It will interest you to know, Your Excellency, that people from these communities mentioned are now IDPs in other neighboring villages as they have had to scamper for safety. Our people are faced with untold hunger, frustration and hopelessness because they can not go to their farms where they have sown.”