Immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has sent some words of sympathy to the people of Okpekpe community in the Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State following the killing of two persons; Batemue Philip aka Ebo and Christopher Bello by suspected herdsmen on Monday, calling on the state governor, Monday Okpebholo and other authorities responsible for the security of the state to act swiftly, just as the council chairperson in charge of the local government, Benedicta Attoh raised alarm that if the state government fails to act fast, the entire North Ibie people maybe wiped out by the suspected Fulani herders, with another report of the Head of the Vigilante group in Erah Community in the Owan East Local Government Area of the State,Victor Ogendegbe also killed in cold blood by attackers suspected to be fulani herdsmen.

Former Governor Obaseki through his personal social media accounts on Monday said the attack on the community was unfortunate and mindless.

He said: “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate and mindless attack on Okpekpe Community, in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State by suspected herdsmen, leading to the gruesome killing of two innocent citizens, Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello.

My heart and prayers are with the people of Okpekpe Community and families of the deceased at this very difficult time.

Such mindless attacks are tragedies we pray never to witness in our communities. We urge all state actors responsible for security in the State to respond swiftly to put an end to this mayhem, and ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice”, Obaseki words ends in quote.

The Council chairperson, Honourable Benedicta Attoh in a press release issued on Monday by the council boss Chief Press Secretary, Benjamin Atu, said the victims were killed in the morning on their way to the farm.

“The Executive Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council, Honourable (Princess) Benedicta Attoh, has expressed concern about the ongoing killing in the Okpekpe community in North Ibie Zone, saying if the State Government does not take immediate action to stop the killing, the entire community will be wiped out.

She described today, Monday, February 24th, as a Black Monday in the Okpekpe community, as Mr Philip Batemue aka Ebo and another Mr Christopher Bello were killed this morning by suspected Fulani herders on their way to their farms.

Honourable (Princess) Attoh, who lamented the ongoing spate of killings by marauding Fulani herdsmen and militias across the Council, said Etsako East has become a killing field.

We urge the Governor of the State to deploy security across the community bushes and activate Local Vigilante, which she has consistently used to secure the council area.

She frowned against the Federal Government’s ambivalent stance amid the herdsmen’s attacks which she said is (taking) too many lives.

“It is time to tackle this high level insecurity by deploying military in parts of the bush and farm areas to give the farmers an immediate sense of safety in their farm lands.” she said according to the Press Release issued by the council chief press secretary.

Meanwhile, an aspirant for Owan Federal Constituency in the coming election in 2027, Barrister Joseph Eriki has expressed deep sadness over the heinous murder of Victor Ogedengbe, he described as a vibrant and outspoken young man from Erah, who he said was callously killed in cold blood.

In a press statement, Barrister Eriki said; “He also made reference to the recent violent attack by suspected herdsmen on Okpekpe Community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, which claimed the lives of two innocent citizens—Batemue Philip and Christopher Bello, which he says is yet another painful loss that must not be ignored.

My heart and prayers go out to the people of Erah and Okpekpe, as well as the families of the victims, during this difficult time.

These senseless attacks are avoidable tragedies that we must do everything possible to prevent in our society.”

He therefore called on all state security agencies in Edo State to act swiftly, put an end to this violence, and ensure that those responsible for these atrocities are brought to justice.

“I am therefore appealing to His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and all relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.

“As a community leader, I remain committed to advocating for the safety and security of our people.

I will continue to engage relevant stakeholders, amplify the voices of the affected communities, and push for decisive actions to protect Erah, Owan, and its environs,” the legal practitioner stated.