Insecurity! Youths Raid Farmlands, Bushes with Charms, Neutralise Notorious Armed Fulani Kidnappers in Edo:
In a dramatic and courageous operation, youths from Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State have taken the fight against insecurity into their own hands, launching a coordinated raid on farmlands and forest areas plagued by armed Fulani kidnappers.
Armed with local charms and traditional weapons, the youths stormed the hideouts of suspected kidnappers in the early hours of Monday, April 7, neutralising several of the armed men believed to be responsible for a series of abductions and attacks on farmers in the region.
According to eyewitnesses and local sources, the youths operated in collaboration with community vigilantes and provided critical intelligence to security operatives. During the operation, sophisticated weapons including AK-47 rifles, magazines, and mobile phones used for ransom negotiations were recovered. Several suspects were arrested, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
One of the community leaders, who spoke under anonymity for security reasons, said the operation was long overdue. “For too long, our people have been living in fear. Our mothers can no longer go to the farm, and our markets are no longer safe. Today, our youths stood up for the land,” he stated.
The local security network and traditional leaders have praised the bravery of the youths while calling on state and federal authorities to strengthen the region’s security architecture and provide logistics support for local vigilante groups.
Meanwhile, the arrested suspects have been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution. The operation has sent a strong message to criminal elements hiding in the bushes that Etsako West will no longer be a safe haven.
Residents of the area are celebrating the breakthrough and urging government at all levels to act swiftly in addressing the root causes of rural banditry and farmer-herder conflicts across Edo State.
