Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has condemned recent violent attacks in the state, which he said resulted in 24 deaths.
Governor Okpebholo, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Tuesday, February 25, reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violence and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness in Edo State,” the statement read.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice and will do everything in our power to prevent such incidents in the future.”
He also decried the destruction of buildings and farmlands worth millions of naira in the Ovia South-West attack, describing it as “devastating.”
In response to the crisis, the governor ordered the deployment of more security personnel to the affected areas and assured residents of his government’s commitment to their safety.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Edo State residents,” he said.
READ ALSO:Disquiet in Edo as Gov. Okpebholo suspends Attorney General, Another Top Official
“We will work closely with security agencies, traditional leaders, and community members to achieve this goal.
“We urge everyone to remain calm and go about their normal business. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the situation is brought under control.”
One of the clashes occurred in Gbelemotin, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, where 22 people reportedly died in a fight between cocoa farmers and suspected thieves.
While the Edo State Police Command initially reported seven deaths, local sources confirmed a higher toll.
The violence, which began Thursday night, escalated into a retaliatory attack on Friday morning, leading to more casualties.
In a separate incident, suspected herders allegedly killed two residents of Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area, on Monday.
The victims were identified as Batemue Philip Ebo and Christopher Bello.