Herdsman nabbed over alleged crop destruction

A businessman, Enebeli Robinson, has been shot dead by suspected assailants at Umusadege Ogbe Community in Ndokwa West Local Council of Delta State.

Robinson was reportedly killed at about 9:00 p.m. on September 30 after he allegedly noticed suspicious movements around his shop.

Sources in the community said the businessman, who became suspicious of the activities around his premises, attempted to leave the area with the money realised from the day’s sales.

The assailants reportedly pursued him, shot him and fled with the cash.

The Guardian learnt that security concerns had earlier prompted the imposition of a curfew across Utagba Ogbe Kingdom in an effort to curb suspected criminal activities.

Residents expressed concern over the latest killing, urging security agencies to intensify surveillance, identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

The circumstances surrounding Robinson’s death, including the identities and motives of the attackers, were not immediately clear as of press time.

Meanwhile, tension has also been reported in Isele Mkpitime Community, Aniocha North Local Council, following allegations that cattle destroyed crops on farms in the area.

The development prompted officials of the Delta State Livestock Management Committee and the Ministry of Agriculture to inspect the affected farms following complaints from farmers.

In the latest development, farmers who mobilised over the alleged destruction reportedly apprehended a suspected herdsman, 19-year-old Dogo Idris, on October 1.

Idris was reportedly arrested on a farm belonging to an elderly farmer, Chief Ben Nwabuzor, and subsequently taken to the Police Division, Onicha Olona, Aniocha North Local Council.

The suspect was reportedly handed over to the police by Ujene Matthew Ossai, a member representing Delta North on the State Livestock Management Committee, for further investigation.

Ossai confirmed the two incidents, saying the committee’s involvement was aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the alleged crop destruction and ensuring that appropriate action was taken in accordance with the law.