A violent clash between cocoa farmers and suspected militants in Edo State has resulted in the deaths of seven individuals and left six others injured. The deadly confrontation took place in the rural community of Ovia, located in the southern part of the state, where tensions have been rising between local farmers and armed groups suspected of being militants.
According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the altercation erupted on Thursday morning when a group of armed individuals, believed to be militants, reportedly ambushed cocoa farmers working in the area. The farmers, who were part of a cooperative effort to harvest crops, resisted the assailants, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, initial investigations suggest that the suspected militants may have been attempting to extort money from the farmers, who rely on their cocoa harvest as their primary source of income. Several individuals, including both farmers and the suspected militants, were caught in the crossfire during the violent clash.
Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the scene, with local hospitals confirming that six individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries, including gunshot wounds. The injured victims are currently receiving treatment, and their condition is said to be stable.
The Edo State government has condemned the violence and assured that security forces are working tirelessly to apprehend those responsible for the attack. State officials have also pledged to provide support to the families of the deceased and the injured.
Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state. "This senseless act of violence will not go unpunished," said Governor Obaseki. "We are fully committed to ensuring that all those involved in these heinous crimes are brought to justice. We also call on the citizens of Edo State to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement in efforts to curb such incidents."
In light of the escalating tensions between farmers and suspected militants in the region, the government has urged local communities to work closely with security forces and report any suspicious activities. Authorities are investigating the incident further to determine the full extent of the militants’ involvement and to prevent similar future attacks.