At least 8 persons are feared dead and others injured following renewed attacks by herdsmen on some communities in Uwheru Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Worst hit by the renewed attacks are Avwon, Agadama and Ohoror communities.
While the Ughelli North LGA Chairman, Godwin Adode confirmed that the herdsmen burnt four residents beyond recognition, locals say that the casualty figure has hit eight.
The locals, who claimed that army personnel accompanied the herdsmen, also say that the attackers have destroyed farmlands and other properties in their communities.
They alleged that the attacks began on Thursday and continued on Saturday.
Meanwhile Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has advocated calm, urging locals against reprisal attacks.
In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, the governor, while condemning the unprovoked attacks, said he had directed the commissioner of police and the Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Asaba, to immediately restore peace to the communities.
Okowa said he would not stand by and watch visitors kill indigenes of the state without repercussion.
“The unwarranted attacks and killing of innocent locals in Avwon, Agadama and Ohoror communities of Uwheru Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area and the wickedness of suspected criminal herdsmen alleged to be aided and abetted by unidentified military personnel are mindless.
“I, however, appeal to the affected communities to remain calm and peaceful. I commiserate with the communities and families on the unfortunate loss of their loved ones.
“I have directed the commissioner of police and the Brigade Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, to rise to the occasion and bring the culprits to justice.
“As a state, our people have been very receptive to herdsmen and other visitors, but our hospitality and welcoming disposition should not be taken as an act of cowardice.
“The state government will continue to encourage peaceful and harmonious relations between Deltans and their visitors, but will not watch outsiders attack and kill our people any longer,” the statement read in part.
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