Farmers from 2nd Abumere Ojiegbeli Camp in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State have fled their homes over alleged invasion the settlement by suspected armed herdsmen who were dressed in military outfit.

On Sunday’s attack, according to witnesses, led to the destruction of crops and forced residents including women and Children to seek refuge at neighbouring Iguhoro Village, a border area between Ondo and Edo States.

Mr. Mattu Alli, a migrant from Taraba State who claimed to have lived at the Camp for more than 30 years, alleged that they fled into the bush after they were chased away by the hoodlums who took over their farms, homes and livelihoods.

He appealed to Edo State and the federal Government rescue farmers from the frequent attacks by suspected herdsmen.

51-year-old Alli alleged that “over a month now, Fulani herdsmen have been in our bushes. Yesterday (Sunday) at about 7: 30 in the morning. We heard people shouting Fulani people have invaded our Community. Suddenly, we started to hear gunshots. There was confusion and people started tuning away from the Community.

“We have no where to stay, the government should help us. The Community head was not in the Village on the day the attack took place. We have not also set our eyes on him.

“They said some indigenes made a call to police, but, there was no response”, according to the father of 11 Children , There is nobody in that Community. I have not seen my 11 children since the incident”.

Asked if the attack by suspected herdsmen is the first time, Alli said, “Last year, the Cattle rearers came in February last year.

“I have lost sever properties including my bed. To feed is now a problem. I do not know if my Children have eaten”, he lamented.

He also appealed to the government to chase the Fulani herdsmen away from our homes. We do not know where to go”, he pleaded.

The farmer alleged further that the incident was reported to police authorities who deployed its personnel to the area, but no drastic measure was taken against the suspected hoodlums.

Also speaking, Mr. Sunday Chime, a migrant farmer from Ukwane in Delta State said, “it has been a long time Fulani herdsmen have occupied our farmland in 2nd Abumere Community. We the farmers mainly plantain, yam and cassava farmers.

“The herdsmen started to feed their livestock with our yams and cassava. Since that has been happening, yet, we have remained calm until yesterday (Sunday) when they invaded our Village with guns. When we saw everybody ran, we had to run.

“What are into plantain, cassava and yam farming. When this herdsmen came to our Community, they began to use our crops to feed their Cattle. This has caused hunger and starvation. They have taken over our farm and the invasion has made us to run away.

“I am above 70 years. And I have lived in the Community for over 30 years. The Government should come to our aid. Our youths ran away when they saw the machine guns the herdsmen came with.

Contacted, the spokesman of the Nigeria police Command, Edo State Command, SP. kotongs Bello, said he has not been briefed on the development.

He however promised to get back after hearing from the Divisional police officer in charge of the area.

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