Reports have surfaced that three employees of the Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State were tragically killed by unknown gunmen.
According to news sources, the staff members were attacked while they were carrying out their duties on the plantation.
The company’s Public Relations officer, Fidelis Olise, confirmed the incident, attributing the killings to unidentified perpetrators.
Despite the company maintaining positive relations with the local communities, Olise expressed uncertainty about the involvement of community members in the violent act.
He disclosed that the incident has been officially reported to the police, who have initiated an investigation into the matter.
“Gunmen fatally shot three of our employees on Monday while they were working on our plantation,” Olise stated.
“Our strong bond with the neighboring communities leaves us unsure if locals were behind the attack,” he continued.
“We have lodged a formal report with the police and are hopeful that justice will prevail,” Olise added.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Funsho Adegboye, also verified the incident, announcing the deployment of additional security personnel to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Expressing dismay at the attack, Adegboye questioned the motives of the gunmen and suggested they could have come from a neighboring state.
The police chief assured that every effort is being made to apprehend the assailants and hold them accountable for their actions.
Adegboye mentioned ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and Okomu Oil management to enhance the safety of the company’s staff in the environment.
“Initial investigations indicate that the gunmen emerged from a nearby creek in a different state, which I prefer not to disclose. The assault is deeply concerning,” he explained.
“To prevent a recurrence, we have bolstered security measures in the area and are actively pursuing the perpetrators in conjunction with Okomu Oil,” Adegboye assured.
“We are committed to ensuring such a tragic incident does not happen in Edo State again,” he emphasized.