Gunmen invade Okomu Oil Palm, kill 2, injure 5

Gunmen have reportedly launched an attack on Okomu Oil Palm Plc located at Udo in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, killing two workers in the process. The victims were said to be working with five other colleagues when the gunmen suspected to be Ijaw youths invaded the plantation.

A source said the other five workers escaped with bullet wounds and are currently receiving treatment.
A large portion of the plantation was said to have been set ablaze by the invading youths over alleged refusal of the company management to settle them.
Speaking on the incident, one of the company’s workers, who did not want his name in print, said several workers had been attacked in the past but the management usually kept quiet about such attacks, adding that the killing of the two workers on Tuesday occurred at a place not far from where security operatives were based.

“This matter does not concern us. We are just workers but the Ijaw boys always attack us and leave the management staff alone.
“The boys need something from the management but this managing director is too stubborn. The security men on ground have not exchanged gunshot with the attackers since trouble started last year.
“We decided to cry out so that management can do something about this killings,” the worker said

Confirming the killing, Public Relations Officer of Okomu Oil Palm Plc, Ikponmwosa Osunbor, said the Ijaw hoodlums had been warning the oil firm to leave the land.