Edo community seeks governor's intervention after resident's alleged killing by herders

The Imoga community in the Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, is urgently seeking intervention from Governor Monday Okpebholo following the alleged killing of a resident, Monday Obanigba, by suspected herders.

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The latest killing by suspected Fulani herders is difficult for us to take. We call on the governor and the security agencies to come to our aid.

In a protest letter dated July 20, 2026, the community described the killing as part of a disturbing pattern of violent attacks that have severely impacted the area's peace and security. Residents lamented that the persistent insecurity has made it difficult for farmers to access their farmlands, posing a significant threat to livelihoods and food security within the community.

The letter highlighted the community's distress, stating, “The latest killing by suspected Fulani herders is difficult for us to take. We call on the governor and the security agencies to come to our aid.” The unique geographical location of Imoga, sharing extensive boundaries with Kogi and Ondo states, was also cited as a factor exacerbating the challenge, making it vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities and the movement of armed attackers.

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Our community shares extensive boundaries with both Kogi State and Ondo State, making it susceptible to cross-border criminal activities and the easy movement of armed attackers.

While acknowledging the efforts of state and local governments in improving security, the community has specifically requested the establishment of a permanent security base in Imoga. They also called for enhanced collaboration among security agencies in Edo, Kogi, and Ondo states to effectively combat cross-border criminal activities. The Chairman of the Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Alabi Oshionogue, has charged members of the Edo State Security Corps to intensify efforts, emphasizing that more is expected given the resources allocated to grassroots security.

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I must say that more is expected of us; security is local, and with the number of Edo State Security Corps personnel being paid by the Council to enhance grassroots security, I do not see any reason we should still be talking about kidnapping in Akoko-Edo with this number of personnel here.