The agrarian community of Iduah in Iduah Kingdom, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, was thrown into mourning on Monday night after suspected gunmen killed a senior palace chief, Chief Jimah Jacob.
The attackers also abducted two of his daughters and left his wife with serious injuries.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that the gunmen struck at night, shooting the chief at close range. They reportedly used machetes and other weapons on his wife during the attack.
A son of the deceased, Lucky, who confirmed the incident, said he had stepped out to buy something when it happened.
He said he was later informed that his father had been killed and returned home to find his mother badly injured.
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In response to the attack, community elders convened an emergency meeting to discuss steps to secure the release of the abducted daughters and address ongoing security concerns in the area.
The traditional ruler of the community, Alhaji Amedu Momoh, appealed to the state government and security agencies to urgently intervene and strengthen security.
“About four of them (gunmen) went to the house of one of our chiefs. They shot him and went away with two of the daughters. Nigerian and other security agencies have come here since the incident happened. We need assistance in tackling insecurity issue. Government should come and assist us. There has been some sort of security here in our land but it is like they have gone to reinforcing.” The traditional ruler stated.
Alhaji Momoh also expressed concern over what he described as increasing attacks by suspected herdsmen on farmlands in the community.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and said an investigation had begun.
Ikoedem added that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, along with senior officers, had relocated to Ekpoma in Edo Central to address the situation.
“I can confirm the incident and the CP and other top officers of the Command have moved to Ekpoma to halt incidents like this. For this killing and abduction, the Police have launched an investigation.” The PPRO reiterated.