A high-ranking palace chief in Iduah Kingdom, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Chief Jimah Ogboi, was killed on Monday night, and his two daughters were abducted during a violent attack on his residence.
His wife was also reportedly injured during the incident.
According to one of his sons, Lucky Ogboi, he stepped out to purchase an item when the attack occurred. He returned to find his father dead and his mother seriously injured.
Community sources said the attack prompted an emergency meeting among local elders to discuss strategies for the rescue of the daughters and measures to address the root causes of the violence.
The traditional ruler of Iduah Kingdom, Alhaji Amedu Momoh, appealed to the Edo State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently and strengthen security in the area.
“About four of them went to the house of one of our chiefs. They shot him and went away with two of the daughters.
“Nigerian Police and other security agencies have come here since the incident happened. We need assistance in tackling security issues,” he said.
Momoh also expressed concern over growing attacks by suspected herders on farmland in the community.
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The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and said the command has launched an investigation.
She noted that Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika and other senior officers are currently in Ekpoma, Edo Central, working to prevent further attacks.
“I can confirm the incident. For this killing and abduction, the police have launched an investigation,” Ikoedem said.
In a related development, three herders were killed by gunmen along the Dorowa-Jong road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State last Thursday evening.
According to Ibrahim Babayo, state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, the victims were ambushed while returning home from Qur’an Tafsir in Dorowa community around 7:30 p.m.