The agrarian community of Iduah, Iduah Kingdom in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo, was on Monday night thrown into mourning following the killing of a high-ranking Palace Chief of the kingdom, Chief Jimah Jacob, by suspected gunmen.
The gunmen, in addition to killing Ogboi, also abducted two of his daughters and fatally injured his wife.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the gunmen struck on Monday night and instantly shot at the deceased while they used machete and other dangerous weapons on his wife.
One of the deceased’s sons, Lucky, who confirmed the incident, said that he stepped out to buy something when the incident occurred.
Lucky added that he was told that his father had been killed, and he returned to find his mother also seriously injured.
Following the attack, the community elders summoned an emergency meeting to discuss ways of securing the release of the two abducted daughters of the deceased, in addition to finding a lasting solution to the perennial security challenges in the community.
The traditional ruler of the community, Alhaji Amedu Momoh, at the meeting, appealed to the state government and security agencies to urgently come to their aid and strengthen security in the area.
“About four of them (gunmen) went to the house of one of our chiefs. They shot him and went away with two of the daughters. Nigerian and other security agencies have come here since the incident happened. We need assistance in tackling insecurity issue. Government should come and assist us. There has been some sort of security here in our land but it is like they have gone to reinforcing.” The traditional ruler stated.
Alhaji Momh expressed sadness over the growing menace of suspected herdsmen attacking the community’s farmlands.
While contacted, the Edo State Police Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident, adding that the police had launched an investigation.
Ikoedem added that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, had, with other top brass of the Command, relocated to Ekpoma, Edo Central Local Government Area, with a view to halting such attacks.
“I can confirm the incident and the CP and other top officers of the Command have moved to Ekpoma to halt incidents like this. For this killing and abduction, the Police have launched an investigation,” the PPRO reiterated.