Edo State: Bandits Invade Edo Community, Kill 1, Set 8 Vehicles Ablaze
From Imafidon OSAZUA (Benin)
Militant group who identified itself as “Ijaw Freedom Fighters” have reportedly attacked Imariogha community, near Okomu Oil Palm plantation, setting eight vehicles on fore and killed one person in the process.
Investigations revealed that the incident happened on Sunday night when l the bandits invaded the community which houses the former African Timber and Plywood (AT&P), located in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo.
An eye witness told journalists in Benin City that the invaders entered the community from the riverside at midnight shooting sporadically into the air and setting fire to about eight private vehicles and destroying many houses.
One of the community leaders, Mr Rex Akpokiniovo, also confirmed that while one person was killed, a chief of the community, Pa Gabriel Okorugbe, who sustained injuries from the attack, had been hospitalised.
Akpokiniovo also said: "The corpse of the dead person has been taken away by the police.
“My house was attacked and my car burnt down by the gunmen who came into the community at midnight and started shooting sporadically into the air.
“One of the Okomu workers, who resides in the community, was killed while the invaders left a warning note on his chest."
According to the note, addressed to Gov. Godwin Obaseki, the attackers, who identified themselves as Ijaw Freedom Fighters, made several demands from management of Okomu Oil Palm Plc.
Some of the demands included directorship position in Okomu oil palm company and 25 per cent of the company’s shares.
The group said: “We are not fighting any security personnel but Okomu oil company.”
Speaking on the attack, the Commissioner of Police in Edo, Mr Funsho Adegboye, while confirming the attack said, "We are aware of the incident and have visited the community."
According to him, "We are already holding talks in partnership with sister security organisations and Okomu oil palm company to arrest the situation."
