Ijaw Militants Invade Edo Community, Shoot One, Set Eight Vehicles Ablaze

Adibe Emenyonu  in  Benin  City

A militant group identified as “Ijaw Freedom Fighters” hasattacked Imariogha Community, near Okomu Oil Palm plantation, setting eight vehicles and killing one person in the process.

The incident was said to have happened on Sunday night as investigation revealed that the bandit invaded the community which housing the former African Timber and Plywood (AT&P), located in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo.

An eye witness told journalists in Benin City that the invaders entered the community from the riverside at midnight shooting sporadically into the air and setting fire to about eight private vehicles and destroying many houses.

One of the community leaders, Mr Rex Akpokiniovo, confirmed that while one person was killed, a Chief of the community, Pa Gabriel Okorugbe, who sustained injuries from the attack had been hospitalised.

“The corpse of the dead person has been taken away by the police. My house was attacked and my car burnt down by the gunmen, who came into the community at midnight and started shooting sporadically into the air.

“One of the Okomu workers, who resides in the community, was killed while the invaders left a warning note on his chest,” Akpokiniovo said.

In the note, addressed to Governor Godwin Obaseki, the attackers, made several demands from management of Okomu Oil Palm Plc.

Some of the demands included directorship position in Okomu oil palm company and 25 per cent of the company’s shares.