Policemen

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani cattle herders have allegedly shot and killed a farmer, Efosa Omoregie, in his farm in Oben community, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that the sad event occurred Thursday morning, when the deceased and youths in the area attempted to prevent some cows sighted on their farms from eating their crops.

Eye witnesses account had it that the deceased, a father of 12 children from two wives, fell and was allegedly shot in the chest by one of the herdsmen.

The death of Omoregie whose remains have been deposited at the Oben Cottage Mortuary, had thrown the bereaved family and entire community into mourning.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Moses Nkombe, coukd not be reached on phone for confirmation.

President of the Obozogbe-Nugu, Ikobi and Iguelaba Youth Forum, Mr. Kelly Ogbeide, however confirmed the incident Friday evening.

According to Ogbeide, “Some of the youths saw Fulani herdsmen around the farm. In their usual way, the cows were eating their crops, so they (youths) tried to resist the cows from destroying their crops. While they were doing that, the Fulani herdsmen started shooting.

“The man [Omoregie], started running away and while he was running, he fell. When he fell, a Fulani herdsman shot him. As at yesterday, only one person was killed.”

Ogbeide who was not happy that no arrests have been made since the incident was reported, added: “The Commissioner of Police is aware. We reported the matter to the commissioner of police. So, he sent some men to the area.

“We have said that we will do a formal petition to the CP, AIG and the Governor, because the next time we will witness this incident again, we will not take it lightly with the Fulani herdsmen.”