In the early hours of Monday, April 14, 2025, terror swept through the quiet community of Uluoke in Uzairue, Etsako West LGA of Edo State, when gunmen—suspected to be herdsmen—invaded a residence and carried out a brutal attack.
A man identified as Friday Pius was shot and killed in cold blood while his pregnant wife and her sister were abducted. The attackers struck between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m., leaving behind the couple’s three children, who were found crying beside their father’s lifeless body.
Spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident on Thursday. He stated that tactical operatives have since been deployed and are working closely with local vigilantes and hunters in ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.
“Our men have sustained bush combing and rescue operations with a view to rescuing the victims,” said Yamu.
Eyewitnesses noted that many residents were too terrified to respond to the gunshots during the attack. It wasn’t until after the gunfire ceased that the community realized the horror that had unfolded.
In the wake of the tragedy, women in the community staged a protest, demanding immediate action from security agencies and government authorities. One protester, who gave her name as Rashidetu, said the incident reflects a larger crisis of insecurity in the area.
“We can’t access our farms anymore. Herdsmen have taken over the land, feeding their cattle on our crops and attacking anyone who resists. This is beyond one incident—it’s our reality now,” she lamented.
The community is calling for urgent intervention to curb the rising threat of violence and reclaim their right to safety and livelihood.