The Edo state police command has launched manhunt for a herder who allegedly killed a farmer simply identified as Paul, in Ofutebe community of Edo state.
A statement issued by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, said the unnamed herder reportedly had misunderstanding with a certain man.”
“In the cause of trying to settle them, one Mr. Paul came as a mediator and spoke in Hausa language to the herder having the confidence that he understands Hausa language. Suddenly, the herder shot and killed him (Paul) with AK 47 riffle”.
He said the matter was reported to the Divisional Police Officer, Ekiadolor Division who detailed Police operatives led by ASP Okodomi with eleven men from the Vigilante group and the village hunters to the community for the arrest of the suspect and recovery of the gun.
He explained that while the team of policemen were on board in a boat to cross over Ofe River heading to Ofutebe community near Owan in Ovia North East council, some suspected herdsmen with AK 47 riffles ambushed and fired sporadically at them.
According to him, ASP Monday Ogeide and the complainant were shot on their hands in the process, while Inspector Ogundele Sunday was not seen immediately after the attack.
He said the command upon receiving the report mobilized a back-up team who rescued ASP Monday Ogeide and the complainant, one Joshua Igbashiro, while Inspector Ogundele Sunday was rescued alive on the 28th January 2020 inside a boat at Ofe river by a search party.
He, however, urged the bereaved family members of the said Paul (now deceased), to remain calm as the killer would be apprehended soon.
