A violent clash between cocoa farmers and alleged produce thieves in the Gbelemotin community of Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, has resulted in the deaths of five persons and injured four others.
According to eyewitnesses, the conflict began on Thursday night when vigilantes hired by an Ikale cocoa farmer to guard his farm allegedly killed four Izon boys suspected of stealing produce. The incident sparked a counterattack by sympathetic Izon boys on Friday morning, leading to further violence and loss of life.
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the incident, stating that joint operations with the army, vigilantes, and other agencies are underway to restore order and investigate the cause of the clash.
A source in the locality, who wished to remain anonymous, described the events leading up to the clash: “The crisis started on Thursday when an Ikale cocoa farmer hired vigilantes to guard his farm, which had been under attack by some suspected Izon boys.
The vigilantes killed four of the Izon boys, and this led to a counterattack by sympathetic Izon boys on Friday morning.”
The Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed that five persons were killed and four others injured in the clash.
He stated that joint operations with the army, vigilantes, and other agencies are ongoing to restore order and investigate the cause of the clash.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of lives and property in the region, particularly in rural areas where farming is a significant economic activity.
The Edo State Government has been urged to take steps to address the underlying causes of the conflict and ensure that justice is served.