Gunmen have killed a high-ranking palace chief in Iduah Kingdom, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, and abducted two of his daughters in a violent attack on Monday night.
The victim, Chief Jimah Jacob Ogboi, was reportedly shot at close range at his residence. His wife was also assaulted with machetes and other weapons, sustaining serious injuries. One of the deceased’s sons, Lucky, said he was away purchasing an item when the attack occurred and returned home to find his father dead, his mother critically injured, and his two sisters abducted.
Following the incident, community elders held an emergency meeting to discuss strategies for securing the safe release of the abducted daughters and addressing security challenges in the area. The traditional ruler, HRH Alhaji Amedu Momoh, appealed to the Edo State Government and security agencies for urgent intervention, stressing the need to strengthen security in the community.
“About four armed men went to the house of one of our chiefs. They shot him and abducted two of his daughters. The Nigerian Police and other security agencies have been here since the incident occurred,” the monarch said, expressing concern over rising attacks on farmlands by suspected herders.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the attack. CSP Eno Ikoedem, the police spokesperson, said investigations have commenced, and Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika is on the ground in Ekpoma, Edo Central, alongside senior officers, to manage the security situation and prevent further attacks.
