Edo Assembly Adopts Resolution calling for security of lives and property in Edo central senatorial district over incessant alleged Fulani herdsmen attacks*.
From our Reporter in Benin.
In response to the urgent need for security for the lives and property of indigenes of Edo State, the House of Assembly has adopted a resolution calling on the State Government and security agencies to move to curb the recent loss of lives and property in parts of Edo Central Senatorial District of the state.
This resolution is sequel to am urgent matter of public importance moved by the member representing Igueben Constituency, Hon Eugene Inegbeboh prompted by the ongoing violence affecting communities in Edo State.
The Speaker ,Rt Hon Chief Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku called on the necessity for immediate action from both the State and Federal Governments to ensure the safety of residents.
Hon. Ojie Eugene Inegbeboh in his motion highlighted that there have been persistent attacks within the Igueben community and surrounding villages. He described a tragic incident on April 25, 2025, in which Mr. Ehigie Moses, a hunter, lost his life while bravely attempting to rescue eight kidnapped victims, which he referred to as a “black Sunday.”
Hon. Inegbeboh lamented the aggressive actions of herdsmen in his community, noting that for the first time, they invaded residential areas to abduct families. He recounted how a woman managed to escape with her children and barricade her home, leading the kidnappers to fire shots indiscriminately, injuring five individuals. Reportedly, four of those injured are in the intensive care unit at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, while one succumbed to injuries.
He further reported that a husband and wife kidnapped on April 25 were released yesterday following the payment of a ransom, underscoring the fears that many in the community now have about accessing their farms.
Hon. Osadolor Uzamere shared accounts of attacks in Sule Camp in Okada West, where individuals were killed by assailants, and he urged prompt actions from both the State and security agencies.
Supporting the motion, Deputy Speaker Hon. Maria Edekor, Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Isibor Adeh, Minority Leader Hon. Iguodala Aiguobarhueghian, Hon. Osadolor Uzamere, Hon. Ojiezele Sunday, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, Hon. Ifada Sunday, and Hon. Sunday Aghedo all spoke in favor of motion expressing the need to address the challenges posed by kidnappers. They expressed sympathy for the affected families and communities and stressed the importance of immediate collaborative efforts with various security agencies and the Federal Government, framing the issue as a national concern.
The legislators set forth the need for urgent actions, noting that it is of national importance and that no region should be left unequally affected. They called for meetings with neighboring states to urge the Governor to develop lands occupied by herders for agricultural use.
The members resolved that:
– The widow of the late Mr. Ehigie Moses should be offered employment in the State or Local Government Service, along with other necessary support for her upkeep. Additionally, Mr. Ehigie Moses should receive posthumous recognition for his bravery in rescuing the eight victims before his untimely death.
– Vigilantes and hunters should be integrated into the Edo State Security Corps and provided with monthly compensation.
– The Government must make concerted efforts to mobilize security agencies to comb the forests, eliminating criminal elements.
– All forests in Edo State should be searched to prevent criminals from relocating their camps within the state.
– The State Government should establish an agricultural settlement between the Udo and Ubiaja communities to enhance economic viability in the area.
Following this discussion, Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku directed the Clerk, Alhaji Yahaya AuduOmogbai, to send copies of the resolution to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
A minute silence was then observed in honor of the victims, and the sitting was subsequently adjourned to April 30, 2025.