By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
Scores may have been killed in a riot that broke out on Monday in Edo State.
The youths in Agenebode, Edo State have burnt down a major police station in the historic town.
The violence was spurred by ceasless kidnapping and killings of locals linked to suspected herdsmen.
Agenebode is, the headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
One Udua Dokpesi who lives in the town said the riot was fuelled by the kidnapping and later killing of a youth in the town by suspected herdsmen.
He said no fewer than 10 people have been kidnapped in the community which millions of naira paid as ransome on each occasion.
“We can no longer carry the cross. The latest was the kidnapping of a young boy. While searching for him, some herdsmen demanded for ransom which was paid. They were nor satisfied. They demanded for another N2m. It was at this point that the youths began a manhunt which led to the hideout of the criminals,” he said.
According to him, buried corpses of those kidnapped earlier were discovered with their vital organs missing.
“We have been taken for granted for too long. People came from over 1000 kilometers away to kill and kidnap us. They chased us away from our farms. They rape and kill.”
He said the attack in the police station was informed by the frustration of the younger people who felt the police have failed to act decisively
He said this prompted the attack on some ethnic groups living in the area.
The Local Government Chairperson, Mrs Benedicta Atoh was said to have expressed shock over the killings and destruction of properties. She was said to have tried her best to stop the burning of the police stations without success.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 5, Arungwa Udo, and the Commissioner of Police in the state, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, rushed to the area to help police maintain order.
