A press statement released by the Okpameri Descendants Union has sparked controversy, alleging a renewed onslaught by suspected kidnappers and bandits operating under the guise of herdsmen on the Igarra/Ibillo Road, particularly in the Uneme-Nekhua – Ayetoro/Ogbe – Okpameri Junction area of the Akoko-Edo Local Government area in Edo State.
Victor Arogunyo, the spokesperson for the group, called on the government and security agencies to focus their attention on the Fulani camp located around the Uneme-Ayetoro area, where they claim criminal activities are rampant on an almost daily basis. He further urged the Igara unit of the Nigerian Immigration Service to scrutinize the residents of the camp.
In a portion of the statement, Arogunyo expressed strong condemnation for the reported killings in parts of the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, recounting distressing incidents, including the kidnapping of a Catholic man who was allegedly released after paying a substantial ransom. Additionally, a man from Lampese and his sister were robbed in the same area, with the man suffering injuries from a machete attack while they were traveling from Igarra to Ibillo.
The situation escalated further when, two weeks prior, armed robbers and kidnappers seized control of Ayetoro/Ogbe/Somorika Junctions for several hours, requiring intervention from the Igarra Police Division to restore safety and allow travelers to continue their journey. More recently, on a Saturday around 3:30 pm, the area around Ayetoro witnessed what the statement referred to as “blood-sucking” kidnappers and bandits reigning supreme, leading to the killing of a young man from Ayegunle. His sibling and others were forcibly taken away into the bush.
Efforts by vigilante groups and hunters from neighboring areas to secure the release of the abductees have reportedly been unsuccessful, prompting a call for communities that have not yet formed such groups to establish their own vigilante and hunter units in support.
The Okpameri Descendants Union hailed the cooperation among security operatives in the Akoko-Edo region, including vigilantes and hunters. However, they called for a complete revamp of their strategy to secure all flashpoints in the local government, particularly in preparation for the Igarra Aba Day in August, a highly celebrated indigenous festival known to attract both local and international tourists.
The situation along the Ibillo Igarra road has garnered significant attention, with reports labeling it a “kidnap zone.” The fear among travelers passing the road, especially after 4:00 pm, due to the perceived threat of unknown gunmen kidnapping them, has raised serious concerns about the security situation in the area.
In 2022, the Edo State Police reported the killing of five suspected kidnappers and the rescue of a victim in the Ughoshi-Afe bush in Ibillo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. The suspects were said to have been neutralized during a gun duel.
In 2021, the Akoko-Edo Forum (AEF) joined in condemning the rising insecurity, kidnappings, and alleged herdsmen infiltration in the council. The recent shooting of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Igarra further intensified apprehensions about the security challenges in the region.
Amidst these troubling circumstances, the key question remains: How can the cases of kidnapping and insecurity be effectively reduced? Authorities and security agencies must urgently address this pressing issue, implementing comprehensive measures to apprehend criminals, secure flashpoints, and ensure the safety of residents and travelers alike. A collaborative effort involving communities, vigilantes, hunters, and security operatives is imperative to combat the menace of insecurity and restore peace to the troubled region.
