Residents and indigenes of Effurun Otor community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have fled their homes for fear following continued attacks by suspected herdsmen on their farmlands.
Only recently, the suspected herdsmen allegedly killed two persons in the community and set ablaze several houses in Effurun Otor community following minor disagreement which degenerated into a free-for-all fight between the suspected herdsmen and some persons in the community on their farmlands.
The suspected herdsmen were alleged to have killed two persons on the spot and injured many others before moving into the community where they set ablaze several houses.
Since the incident, many residents of the community have fled their homes to avoid further attacks, while security operatives are said to be on routine patrol with a view to arresting perpetrators of the alleged killings and arson.
It was gathered that the Orovworere of Effurun Otor Kingdom, HRM King Duku 11, reportedly escaped death by the whiskers during the attack by the suspected herdsmen on his palace.
Despite the intervention of the security operatives in the area, the suspected herdsmen reportedly shot sporadically without being confronted until military men moved into the situation to restore peace.
The Acting Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Chucks Orisewezie, who confirmed the incident to DAILY POST in Asaba, said though arrest was made, residents of the community fled for fear of the unknown, adding that law and order had since been restored.
He said, “With respect to the suspected herdsmen crisis in Effurun Otor, I am happy to say that the matter is being handled by the police in Otujeremi with the support of the Area Command in Ughelli and the Chairman of the Local Government Council. Investigation is ongoing and the police will ensure no such situation occurred again.”
Speaking to newsmen in the area, the Orovworere of Effurun otor, HRM King Duku 11 said, “Many of my subjects have fled their homes for fear of the unknown. Everyone is running because of the herdsmen invasion to our Kingdom.
“We can’t do anything again. Our farm crops have been destroyed, and some of our women raped. The situation here is bad. We are appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari and the State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to come to our aid.
“Everyone has deserted the community because of the herdsmen. They are armed with dangerous weapons and guns, My palace was attacked by these suspected herdsmen before indigenes and residents fled their homes.”
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