BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Fear of being hit by bullet momentarily gripped the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Uhogua, near Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria when gun-toting youths invaded the community, shooting sporadically, unchallenged.
It was gathered that the violence which lasted several minutes forced the IDP children, the community primary school pupils, women and other residents of the quiet neighborhood to scamper for safety.
Some private property including shops and cash crops were not spared by the rampaging gunmen during the broad daylight aggression on May 12, 2021.
It was learnt that invaders carted away some valuable documents from the residence of Uhogua community secretary.
Commenting on the incident, the Coordinator, International Christian Centre For Missions, in charge of the IDP camp in Uhogua Solomon A. Folorunsho said the invasion was a criminal act, alleging that the youths of Okhuhu community, a neighboring village carried out the invasion.
Folorunso, who spoke through one of the supervisors at the IDP camp, Pastor Evelyn Omigie appealed to the government at all levels and relevant agencies to beef up security in and outside the camp to forestall reoccurrence.
It could not be ascertained at press time what triggered the invasion.
When our reporter visited Uhogua community last weekend, some elders were seen holding meeting at Enogie’s palace as armed vigilante members provided security.
The community, however, promised to speak on the incident on a later date.
It gathered that the Enogie (Duke) of Uhogua Dukedom His Royal Highness, Prince Osagumwenro Eki-Eresoyen has appealed to his subjects to remain calm.
Elders and youth leaders of Okhuhu could not be reached at press time but efforts would be made to obtain their reactions in our subsequent edition.
Contacted, the Public Relations Officer for Edo State Police Command SP Kontongs Bello said he was yet to be briefed by the divisional police officer in the area.
Meanwhile, a dependable source in the community disclosed that operatives of Ogida police station had visited Uhogua community to take record of property destroyed by the invaders.
