Tragedy struck the Ikabigbo community in Uzairue Kingdom, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, as suspected bandits abducted and killed a retired teacher and farmer, Andrew Imuekheme, on Tuesday, August 12.

According to residents, Andrew was returning from his farm when the attackers intercepted him and dragged him into the bush. A woman who was also targeted managed to escape and quickly alerted the community’s vigilantes and hunters.

Search teams were immediately mobilized, prompting farmers still on their fields to return home for safety. Later, the vigilantes discovered Andrew’s motorcycle and shoes, and by evening, his body was found after an extensive search.

The traditional ruler of the community, Chief Braimah Alegeh, condemned the killing, describing his people as peaceful and law-abiding. He appealed to the Edo State Government and security agencies to urgently step in to protect the farming community.

“We are predominantly farmers and peace-loving people; the government and security agents should come to our aid so that we can have peace,” he said.

Sadly, this is not the first violent incident in Ikabigbo. Two years ago, a Catholic Reverend Father and a local hunters’ chairman were killed after the priest was kidnapped.

The latest killing has reignited calls for stronger security measures to curb the rising wave of violence in rural Edo communities.