2 abducted, 4 injured as herders attack Edo community

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Two residents of Dantata Life Camp in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State were reportedly abducted, one hospitalised, while three others suffered machete wound when herders invaded on Sunday night.

An eyewitness who simply gave his identity as Abu, said the killer herdsmen opened fire on the residents in an attempt to kidnap them while they were about to break their fast.

He said one Mutairu Dauda, who defied the attack was macheted and shot but he survived.

“I can confirm to you that killer herdsmen invaded the Dantata Life camp in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State on Sunday night at about 8pm.

“They opened fire on residents. A particular man who stood and fought with them as they were trying to either kill or kidnap him, sustained various degrees of machete injury before they also shot him.

“His wife, daughter and mother-in-law also suffered machete wounds. Dauda, a furniture maker, is currently at Irrua Specialist Hospital receiving treatment.”

The local vigilante of the area who went in search of the two abductees, gathered, arrested two kidnappers and handed them over to the police.

Some residents of the Camp, Abu said, have been forced to abandon their homes after a series of similar attacks by the invaders in the past, adding that  they no longer sleep with their two eyes closed because of insecurity.

Spokesman of the state Police Command, Moses Yamu, could not be reached at the time of filing this report.