Edo community calls on governor for help after killing

The Imoga community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, is asking Governor Monday Okpebholo for help after one of their own, Monday Obanigba, was killed. They believe suspected herders are behind the attack.

In a protest letter dated July 20, 2026, and signed by Jeffery Obasanmi, the community urged the governor and security agencies to act quickly to address the growing insecurity in the area.

The letter was shared with journalists in Benin City on Tuesday. It described the killing as part of a troubling trend of violent attacks that continue to threaten the peace and safety of the community.

Residents expressed concern that ongoing insecurity has kept many farmers from reaching their farmlands. This situation poses a significant threat to their livelihoods and food security.

The letter stated, "The latest killing by suspected Fulani herders is difficult for us to take. We call on the governor and the security agencies to come to our aid."

The unique location of Imoga adds to their challenges. The community shares long borders with Kogi State and Ondo State. This makes it vulnerable to cross-border crime and allows armed attackers to move freely.

While acknowledging the state and local governments' efforts to improve security, the community is asking for a permanent security base in Imoga. They also want better cooperation among security agencies in Edo, Kogi, and Ondo states to fight cross-border crime.

The Chairman of Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Alabi Oshionogue, responded by urging members of the Edo State Security Corps to step up their work in the area. He called the killing unfortunate and noted that the level of insecurity should have decreased given the resources provided to support the security corps.

In a statement on Tuesday from his Chief Press Secretary, Ajayi Julius, the chairman encouraged the security personnel to intensify their efforts against kidnapping and other crimes. He said, "I must say that more is expected of us; security is local, and with the number of Edo State Security Corps being paid by the Council to enhance grassroots security, I do not see any reason we should still be talking about kidnapping in Akoko-Edo with this number of personnel here."

He urged the security corps to support the state government's fight against kidnapping and cultism by staying committed to their duties.

Topa Okomayin, the Chairman of the Screening Committee and Secretary to the Local Government, also spoke out. He criticized what he called the careless attitude of many Edo State Security Corps personnel in the area. He called for greater commitment to their work.