The agrarian community of Odiguetue in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State was in turmoil on Thursday April 7, 2022, as armed herdsmen attacked the village, killing not less than five people.
Eye witnesses in the community narrated that members of Edo State Security Network Service (local vigilante) were among the victims and many people sustained various degrees of injuries during the attack.
The sources noted that some houses belonging to some members of the vigilante group, namely Osagie, Osazee, Uyi and Efe were burnt down by the herdsmen.
Sources said the herdsmen came in the early of the fateful day and launched attacked on the security personnel in the locality, set ablaze a Patrol Van and unleash mayhem on the community, saying the community has been resisting them from feeding their cows with farm produce.
Narrating his ordeal to newsman, a community leaders, Lt. Commander Anthony Ogie (rtd), said “for some time now, the herdsmen have been harassing us in Odiguetue. We can’t go to the farm anymore because of them. Our families are at risk of losing their lives and homes.
“Our young men who are members of the vigilante group are not safe anymore in their own community.
“They came close to our houses shooting sporadically. But whenever the local vigilantes came, they retreated into the bush. Then the following day, people were on their farmland when the herdsmen came and killed three people. That was in the morning.
” Later in the evening, they came again and killed some men belonging to the Security Network.
“Odiguetue is a peaceful community surrounded by Okokodu, Ogoli and other communities in Ovia North-East LGA. They love peace and live in harmony. How can the herdsmen do this to people who are peaceful and who go about their normal businesses?” Ogie queried.
Another community leader, Elder John Osagiede said he got the information that the village was going to be attacked and effort to reach the authorities was not avail”.
Also speaking, another Community Security Official (Security vigilante), Pastor Ehanire Peter Osazee, who is a member of the Security Service explained how, on April 7, 2022, Odiguetue community was attacked by the herdsmen.
He explained that he was around the community during the attack to support the Security Network team to secure lives and property of the people of Odiguetue.
Sources however said the incident has led to various attack on Pastor Ehanire Peter Osazee because he was very instrumental in the repelling of the herdsmen.
It was gathered that the herdsmen burnt his house situated at 23, Oronsaye Street, Odiguetue community in Ovia North-East LGA.
Following the burning of his house, he was said to have relocated to Benin City to join his family but when it was discovered that pastor Osazee was no longer living in Odiguetue, the herdsmen was said to have been threatening him with calls, hence he has to run for his dear life to an unknown destination.
