- Investigations revealed that the bandits invaded the community, which houses the former African Timber and Plywood (AT&P) facility, located in the Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo
A militant group known as the “Ijaw Freedom Fighters” attacked Imariogha Community near the Okomu Oil Palm plantation, resulting in the death of one person and the destruction of eight vehicles.
The incident occurred on Sunday night. Investigations revealed that the bandits invaded the community, which houses the former African Timber and Plywood (AT&P) facility, located in the Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo.
Eyewitnesses in Benin City reported that the attackers entered the community from the riverside at midnight, firing shots into the air and setting fire to approximately eight private vehicles and damaging many houses.
Community leader Mr. Rex Akpokiniovo confirmed the death and reported that a community chief, Pa Gabriel Okorugbe, sustained injuries and has been hospitalized.
“The corpse of the dead person has been taken away by the police. My house was attacked and my car burnt down by the gunmen, who came into the community at midnight and started shooting sporadically into the air.
“One of the Okomu workers, who resides in the community, was killed while the invaders left a warning note on his chest,” Akpokiniovo said.
In the note, addressed to Governor Godwin Obaseki, the attackers, made several demands from management of Okomu Oil Palm Plc.
Some of the demands included directorship position in Okomu oil palm company and 25 per cent of the company’s shares.