Ex-Edo ADC gov candidate urges Okpebholo to tackle insecurity

A former governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2020 Edo governorship election, Mabel Oboh, on Thursday urged the state government to tackle the security challenges in Ukhun community in Esan West Local Government Area of the state.

Oboh said the call was necessary to save the lives and properties of the inhabitants.

She made this call in a statement titled: ‘Urgent call to action: Fulani herdsmen attacks devastate Esanland’ and made available to journalists in Benin.

Recall that herdsmen last week invaded the community, killing one person and injuring several others.

Oboh said the recent incidents involving alleged attacks by Fulani herdsmen in Ukhun have raised significant concerns and prompted widespread outrage.

She said that Governor Monday Okpebholo must rise up to mitigate the harmful impact of the activities of these herdsmen.

“The increasing frequency and severity of these attacks have instilled a pervasive sense of fear among the Esan populace.

The statement read, “Farmers in the community face threats of murder, kidnapping, and sexual violence, which hinder their ability to cultivate their land.

“Consequently, the resulting food shortages and economic difficulties are exacerbating the community’s precarious situation.

“The most recent attack in Ukhun, which resulted in one death and multiple injuries, represents yet another instance of violence against our farmers.

“I earnestly appeal to the state government to take decisive action to safeguard the lives and assets of the Esan people”, Oboh said.

Oboh, called for the ban on open grazing, noting the people’s sources of livelihood are now being threatened.

She added, “I urge the Edo state government to prohibit open grazing and adopt ranching practices, which have historically proven effective.”