Suspected herdsmen reportedly invaded Uluoke community, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State and as killed a man identified as Mr Friday Pius, and abducted his pregnant wife along with her sister.

It was gathered that the father of three was killed by the gunmen on Monday between 1 am and 2 am.

The incident led to a protest by women in the community, who appealed to the government at all levels for assistance.

The women also appealed to the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, Hon. Dekeri Anamero, members representing the Etsako Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, and security agencies to come to their aid and rescue them from the grip of the suspected herdsmen.

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The victim was said to have been asleep when the gunmen entered his house, killed him, and kidnapped his family members.

The kidnappers left behind the deceased’s three children, who were found crying in the pool of their father’s blood.

A source said that after shooting the man dead, the gunmen abducted his pregnant wife and her sister, whisking them away into the bush.

“People heard gunshots around the deceased’s house, but were scared to come out. When people finally came after the gunshots subsided, the man was found dead in his own pool of blood.

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“The killers took his wife and her sister into the bush and are yet to be found. At this moment, the pregnant woman and her sister have not been found,” he said.

According to him, the police, in collaboration with vigilantes and hunters, have been combing the bush in a bid to rescue the victims.

One of the protesting women, Rashidetu, said in a video that they were protesting over the killing of a youth and the kidnapping of his wife and her sister.

“We are protesting not only the death of the young man and the kidnapping of his wife and her sister, but we are also the long absence of security in the Uluoke community.”

Rashidetu lamented that they can no longer go to their farms, as alleged herdsmen have taken over, uprooting cassava to feed cows, kidnapping women, and killing anyone who attempts to stop them from destroying farmland.

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She, however, called on the government and security agencies to come to the aid of the community, as they are no longer able to access their farms.

Contacted, the Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the development, said police are on the trail of the kidnappers with a view to rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.

“The Command is aware. And necessary deployment has been made in that regard. Our men have sustained bush combing/rescue operation with a view to rescue the victims,” he stated.