By DADA AYOKHAI
The residents of the Okpekpe community in Etsako East local government area are mourning the death of two of their kinsmen Allegedly murdered by Fulani herdsmen
The predominantly agrarian community is currently engulfed in mourning, grieving the tragic loss of two of its kinsmen, Mr Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello
Reports claimed both men were murdered while on their way to their farms.
The tragic killing of the two farmers sparked widespread condemnation, drawing attention from all corners, including the community’s revered monarch, HRH Peter Osigbemeh, the Onwweko of Okpekpe.
In a telephone interview with the media, the okpekpe community Royal father,HRH Peter Osigbemeh confirmed the killing and the presence of the security forces while also emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the restoration of peace.
He added that his main preoccupation was the return of peace to the community, adding he is working in concert with interested parties to make sure that peace is restored to Okpekpe as soon as possible
The violent incidents have ignited fear and trepidation among residents, who now dread venturing into their fields for fear of potential killings or abductions at the hands of these aggressive herdsmen.
Local sources pointed accusing fingers at suspected Fulani herdsmen
A deeply worried embattled Etsako East council chairperson, Hon. (Princess) Benedicta Attoh, an indigene of Okpekpe herself commented on the killings via a statement issued by her Chief Press Secretary, Mr Benjamin Atu,
She described the incident of Monday, February 24, leading to the gruesome murder of two Okpekpe sons, Mr Philip Betermue, a.k.a. Ebo and Mr Christopher Bello, while on their way to their farms as a “black Monday” in the Okpekpe community
She said, “It is time level of insecurity by deploying the military in parts of the bush and farms to give the farmers a sense of security and safety
Hon Attoh equally reminded Gov Okpevbolo of the need for urgency in taming the menace of the herdsmen who have virtually taken over the council area
In a show of solidarity, the former governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, expressed his condolences to the people of Okpekpe following the ruthless attacks that have shaken their community.
His sentiments regarding the horrific outcomes of the assaults were conveyed through his Media Adviser, Mr. Osagie Crusoe.
In his message, Obaseki described the violent killings as “heart-wrenching and deeply unfortunate” and called upon the relevant authorities to act swiftly to apprehend those responsible for the horrendous acts.
He voiced his profound sorrow over the unjustifiable attacks that have afflicted the Okpekpe community in the Etsako East council area, urging the state government and security agencies to take immediate measures to ensure that the perpetrators face justice, serving as a deterrent against future acts of violence.
Okpekpe community mourns kinsmen Allegedly killed by Fulani Herdsmen
