An armed attack has left the Ugbineh community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State deserted after suspected gunmen reportedly invaded the area and forced residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
The assault, which began on Monday, April 27, was allegedly carried out by masked armed men led by a man identified as Dominic Edobor. By Saturday morning, the community was said to have been largely abandoned, with only the attackers remaining in control, effectively turning the area into a ghost town.
Residents who spoke anonymously described scenes of heavy gunfire involving machine guns, which forced men, women, and youths to escape into surrounding forests. At least nine people were reportedly left with severe gunshot injuries during the attack.
Some community members also accused security authorities of failing to respond to early warnings about the planned invasion, alleging that their distress calls were ignored before the violence erupted.
The crisis is believed to be linked to an ongoing leadership dispute over the position of a local youth leadership title, which has reportedly escalated into violent confrontation within the community.
Those displaced have expressed frustration over what they describe as a lack of protection from both security agencies and traditional leadership structures, leaving them exposed and vulnerable in nearby forests without adequate medical care.
Although the police have said they are monitoring the situation, residents insist that the community remains under the control of armed individuals, raising concerns over worsening insecurity in the area.
