Police in Edo State confirmed an attack by a militant group on the Imariogha community, located near the Okomu Oil Palm Plantation, in Ovia South West Local Government Area.
The attack, on Sunday night, resulted in the burning of several houses and vehicles, and one fatality.
According to eyewitness reports, the gunmen, who identified themselves as “Ijaw Freedom Fighters,” stormed the community around midnight.
They reportedly opened fire sporadically and then proceeded to set ablaze at least eight vehicles and destroy multiple homes. A staff of Okomu Oil Palm Company was killed during the assault.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Funsho Adegboye, confirmed the incident and revealed that authorities are taking action.
“We are aware of the incident and have visited the community,” Adegboye stated. “We are already holding talks in partnership with sister security organizations and the Okomu Oil Palm company to arrest the situation.”
The group calling itself the “Ijaw Freedom Fighters”, which claims to represent the interests of the Ijaw people, are making some radical demands.
According to an unsigned handwritten letter on the chest of the staff they killed, the militant group is demanding a 25 per cent stake in ownership of Okomu Oil Plc shares, a seat on the company’s board of directors, and increased social investment projects in Ijaw communities.
The group stated, “We are not fighting any security personnel but Okomu Oil company.”
The letter was addressed to Governor Godwin Obaseki. The attack raises fears of renewed militancy in the Niger Delta.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
Latest posts by By Ezinwanne Onwuka (Senior Reporter) (see all)
- Middle Belt Forum Raises Alarm Over ‘Genocide’ in Central Nigeria - October 21, 2025
- Police Disperse #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest in Abuja - October 21, 2025
- AG Fagbemi Says Presidential Clemency Process Still Under Review - October 18, 2025
previous
How Prince Harry and Meghan Charmed Nigerians in 3-Day Visit
next