ABRAKA: Tension as suspected herdsmen behead welder, Hausas take refuge in police station

The beheading of a welder identified as Mr. Solomon Ejoor, by suspected herdsmen has sent fear down the spines of natives in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

The fear of reprisal attacks has seen Hausas in the community taking refuge in the police station in the town for fear of the unknown, and what the indigenes may do to them in anger over the incidence.

According to Dr. Tedwins Emudainohwo, President General of the community, the native of Urhuoka-Abraka, was killed when he embarked on a mission to rescue his mother.

He said “The victim and his younger brother and two friends had gone to the bush to rescue their mother, who had gone to the farm and was trapped in the bush following sporadic shooting by herdsmen in the area.

“In her hiding position, she was able to see some herdsmen walking past as they continued shooting. After the situation had calmed down, she called her children and told them that she was trapped inside the bush.

“One of the sons called the younger one and their friends, and immediately proceeded to the bush to rescue their mother in a motorcycle without informing the community leaders,” Emudainohwo said.

Continuing, the President General of the community said on getting to the bush, the boys engaged the herdsmen in a gun battle but they were overpowered by the assailants.

“They engaged in a gun battle with the herdsmen, who over powered them. Fortunately enough, three of them were able to run for their lives, but the eldest son could not as he fell from the motorcycle and was taken away by his assailants.

“The woman slept in the bush. The next day, the boys went back, rescued her, while her son was still missing. We filed a missing person report over the incident and later in the day, we got information that his body was discovered in the bush.

“Immediately, I called the DPO, who mobilised his men and the vigilante and they went to the bush to recover the body,” he added.

Confirming the incident, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim, the state’s Commissioner of Police, said investigations into the matter were currently underway.

“I have ordered discreet surveillance of the forest to verify whether they are herdsmen or not. I am sure you know that the place is said to be under dispute between Edo and Delta states.

“When their fire power is determined, we will strategise with sister agencies on what next to do. Meanwhile, I have reinforced the community with men of the Police Mobile Force,” the CP added.

Ibrahim who informed that no fewer than 100 Hausas were taking refuge at the police station following the incident, said; “The Deputy Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Department, will visit the family of the deceased today (yesterday) to commiserate with them. He will also see the mother, who raised the alarm, in furtherance of our investigation”.

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