TDResidents of a community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State have been left traumatized following a violent overnight attack by armed men suspected to be Fulani terrorists.
The terrorists reportedly invaded the area in the early hours of Thursday, June 11, leaving several people dead in their sleep in a video seen by This Dawn News but could not be uploaded due to the gory nature.
According to local sources and eyewitness accounts, the attackers struck at approximately 2:00 a.m., catching residents off guard while most people were asleep in their homes.
The gunmen reportedly opened fire indiscriminately and set buildings ablaze, forcing terrified residents to flee for safety under the cover of darkness.
The attack has renewed concerns about the worsening security situation in parts of Edo State and other communities across Nigeria that have experienced similar incidents linked to armed herders and rural banditry.
Residents Recount Night of Terror
Witnesses said the attackers arrived suddenly and began shooting sporadically across the community, creating panic and confusion among residents.
Several people were reportedly affected by the assault, while two individuals sustained critical injuries during the attack.
Community members said local youths played a crucial role in rescuing the victims from danger and ensuring they received urgent medical attention.
The injured persons were subsequently evacuated for treatment, while many families spent the remainder of the night seeking refuge in safer locations.
Residents described scenes of fear and desperation as gunshots echoed through the community.
“We were sleeping when we started hearing gunfire.
“People began running in different directions.
“Nobody knew where the attackers were coming from or who would be targeted next,” a resident reportedly recounted.
Homes Burned, Property Destroyed
Beyond the physical injuries sustained during the attack, significant property damage was recorded.
Witnesses reported that at least two buildings, including a residential house, were set on fire and completely destroyed by the attackers.
Household belongings, valuables, and personal effects were lost in the inferno, leaving affected families with little or nothing to salvage.
The destruction has compounded the suffering of residents already grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.
A video circulated online after the incident allegedly showed traces of blood and scenes from the aftermath of the attack.
However, portions of the footage were reportedly edited or removed because they contained graphic material that violated content moderation guidelines.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not released an official assessment of the full extent of the damage.
Casualty Figures Remain Unclear
Although some social media reports claimed that several people may have been killed during the attack, community sources have yet to provide independently verifiable casualty figures.
Residents confirmed that two individuals sustained serious injuries and were rescued, but no official statement had been issued by security agencies regarding fatalities.
Community leaders have therefore called for a thorough investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the attack and determine the full extent of casualties and destruction.
Community Leaders Demand Action
In the aftermath of the incident, traditional leaders, youth groups, and concerned residents appealed to both the Edo State Government and the Federal Government to take immediate steps to improve security in vulnerable rural communities.
They called for increased deployment of security personnel, enhanced surveillance operations, and swift action to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
According to community representatives, residents have lived under the constant fear of attacks and believe stronger security measures are urgently needed to prevent future incidents.
The narrator of the viral video documenting the aftermath also appealed for government intervention, emphasizing the need for protection and long-term security solutions.
Renewed Focus on Rural Security Challenges
Security experts say the attack highlights the broader challenges confronting many farming and rural communities across Nigeria.
Over the years, violent conflicts involving armed herders, criminal gangs, and local communities have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of residents, and destruction of property in several states.
The recurring incidents have raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing security measures and the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of insecurity.
As residents of Ovia North East struggle to recover from the latest attack, many remain fearful that further violence could occur unless decisive action is taken.
For now, affected families are counting their losses while awaiting a robust response from authorities, hoping that justice will be served and lasting peace restored to their community.
