The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two farmers in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area, by suspected herdsmen.
The victims, identified as Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello, were reportedly attacked on their way to their farms on Monday.
According to the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, the attack was reported by the Chief of Okpekpe at around 9:00 a.m. on Monday.
“We received information from the Chief of Okpekpe this morning at about 0900 hours that two of his people were attacked and killed on their farms by suspected herdsmen,” Yamu stated.
He added that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and a team of mobile police officers stationed in Uzanu were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they found the bodies of the deceased.
Following the incident, Yamu assured that security measures in the area had been reinforced to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
“The security arrangement in the area has been reviewed to ensure those responsible are brought to justice and to prevent future occurrences,” he said.
The latest attack comes just three days after a similar incident in which 23 farmers were reportedly killed across seven farming settlements in Ovia South West Local Government Area.
The rising violence in rural communities, especially in farming settlements, has sparked serious concerns over growing insecurity and the safety of farmers in the state.