Residents of Agbede and neighbouring villages in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, have sounded the alarm over an upsurge in kidnappings, killings and land seizures by armed herders, whom they accuse of operating with police protection.
In interviews and a joint community statement, Agbede indigenes say that for the past two months, their farms and forests—spanning Odighie, Egono and Awain—have been overrun by suspected Fulani herders. “They no longer drive cattle through our fields,” one local leader explained. “They hide in the bush, launch brutal raids at night, then return to set up camp on our lands.”
Villagers report a grim pattern: abductions for ransom, violent assaults on those unable to pay, and sexual assaults against women. They claim attempts to seek assistance from the Agbede and Auchi police commands have been futile, blaming a senior northern officer for “lining the herders’ pockets” and intimidating local vigilantes with harassment and brief detentions.
“We’re forced to sign undertakings promising not to confront them,” said one hunter who asked to remain anonymous. “When we defend our farms, we end up in custody—while the invaders go free.”
The community highlighted two emblematic cases: Mamudu Momoh, attacked after challenging herders uprooting his cassava, who was arrested when he sought justice; and a farmer named Idris, allegedly held captive for over a month despite ransom payments.
When reached for comment, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer CSP Moses Yamu vehemently denied any collusion. He affirmed that, with support from the Auchi Area Command, Agbede officers have arrested more than ten suspected kidnappers in recent weeks. “Our men work around the clock to protect these communities,” Yamu said. He also noted that the Zone 5 Assistant Inspector-General assumed office less than two weeks ago, dismissing claims of long-standing complicity as “unfair.”
Yamu pledged continued operations against kidnapping and banditry, urging residents to cooperate with security forces. Meanwhile, Agbede indigenes are demanding the removal of the Agbede divisional police officer, warning that without credible reform, peace will remain elusive in their besieged communities.
