Residents of Agbede community and neighbouring villages in Etsako West Local Council of Edo State have raised the alarm over continued kidnappings, killings, and rapes allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen.

In a protest letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, the community accused herdsmen of terrorising the area for over two months without effective police intervention.

The people of Agbede, Odighie, Egono, and Awain communities said they now live in fear as farmlands have been destroyed, residents kidnapped for ransom, and those unable to pay have been killed or maimed. They alleged that corrupt police officers are aiding the herdsmen, with some officers intimidating local vigilantes and hunters through blackmail and forced undertakings not to challenge the attackers.

A resident, who preferred anonymity, claimed that security agents prevented locals from defending themselves. “Those arrested are released quickly. Farmers can’t go to their farms, and families are facing poverty,” he said.

He cited a case involving a farmer, Mamudu Momoh, who was allegedly attacked by herdsmen while on his farm but was later arrested and detained after reporting the incident to the Agbede Police Division. Another farmer, identified as Idris, has reportedly been held captive by kidnappers for over a month despite a ransom payment.

The community called for the immediate removal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Agbede Police Division, whom they accuse of bias, to restore peace.

However, the spokesperson for Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, denied the allegations, stating that the police have been working tirelessly to curb the menace. He confirmed that over 10 suspected kidnappers have been arrested and are under investigation. He described the community’s claims as unfair, especially towards Zone 5, where the Assistant Inspector General of Police recently assumed duty.