Residents of Esan North East Local Government Area in Edo State are living in fear following fresh attacks by suspected Fulani armed herders and hunters, resulting in the kidnapping of six persons.
The incident occurred Wednesday night. In a coordinated overnight assault, five individuals were abducted from Uzea community, while one person was seized in Amedokhian.
The wave of abductions has once again spotlighted the glaring failure of the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo to protect communities in Edo Central from escalating insecurity.
Furious residents have lashed out at the Okpebholo-led State Government, accusing him of turning a blind eye to their plight while rural communities continue to suffer unchecked violence.
“We can no longer sleep with our eyes closed. Every night is a nightmare,” a community elder lamented. The people say their repeated cries for help have been ignored, leaving them vulnerable to relentless attacks from heavily armed herders who operate with impunity.
As tension heightens, local youths are beginning to consider self-defense measures, warning that their patience is wearing thin. “If our elected leaders can’t secure us, we will have no choice but to take matters into our own hands,” one youth leader said. The situation in Esanland has become a chilling reminder of government neglect, with many now questioning whether Okpebholo’s leadership is a threat to the safety of the very people he swore to protect.