Residents of Agbede and surrounding villages in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State have voiced growing frustration over a wave of violent crimes allegedly perpetrated by suspected herdsmen.
In a protest letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, the aggrieved communities accused security forces of neglect and, in some cases, complicity.
For over two months, the people of Agbede, Odighie, Egono, and Awain have reportedly endured constant fear as farmlands are destroyed, residents kidnapped, and victims brutalised when they fail to meet ransom demands.
The protest letter alleges that “corrupt police officers are aiding the herdsmen,” with claims that some officers have “intimidated local vigilantes and hunters through blackmail and forced undertakings not to challenge the attackers.”
A local resident, speaking anonymously, accused security operatives of preventing communities from defending themselves.
“Those arrested are released quickly. Farmers can’t go to their farms, and families are facing poverty,” he lamented.
The community cited several incidents, including one involving a farmer, Mamudu Momoh, who was allegedly assaulted by herdsmen on his farmland.
After reporting the attack to the Agbede Police Division, he was said to have been arrested and detained. Another victim, a farmer named Idris, is reportedly still being held captive over a month after his abduction, despite a ransom being paid.
The communities are now demanding the removal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Agbede, accusing him of bias and calling for leadership changes as a step toward restoring peace.
In response, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, dismissed the allegations.
He emphasized the command’s ongoing efforts to address the security challenges.
“The police have been working tirelessly to curb the menace,” Yamu stated.
He added that “over 10 suspected kidnappers have been arrested and are under investigation,” and described the accusations as “unfair, especially towards Zone 5,” where a new Assistant Inspector General of Police has recently assumed office.
