By Jethro Ibileke
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has strongly condemned the recent attacks on seven farming communities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, which left 22 people dead and several others injured.
Reports indicate that the assaults, allegedly carried out by militants, also led to the destruction of buildings and farm produce worth millions of naira.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo also denounced the killing of two farmers, Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello, in Okpekpe community, Etsako East Local Government Area, by suspected herdsmen.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness in Edo State. We will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice, and we will do everything in our power to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, the governor has ordered the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the affected areas, as well as the provision of support for the impacted communities.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Edo State residents,” Okpebholo said.
“We will work closely with the security agencies, traditional leaders, and community members to achieve this goal.”
He further urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to restore peace.
“We urge everyone to remain calm and to go about their normal business,” the governor said.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that the situation is brought under control.”
