Tragedy struck the serene village of Okomu Ijaw in the Ovia Southwest local government area of Edo State when a middle-aged man, Pa. Samuel Adolor, fell victim to a fatal gun attack by unidentified gunmen.
The community had been plunged into a severe crisis stemming from illegal fines and levies imposed on wood operators for felling wood in the forest. These extortions were allegedly orchestrated by a certain individual named Amokachi, leading to turmoil and unrest among the residents.
The deceased middle-aged man, Pa. Samuel Adolor, was the father of Smart Adolor, a timber operator in the community who had been embroiled in a prolonged battle with Amokachi over unpaid levies. This dispute resulted in numerous death threats not only against Smart but also his family members.
The fateful incident occurred on Friday, September 16th, 2016, when suspected thugs loyal to Amokachi laid an ambush in the community and attacked Pa. Samuel Adolor as he was returning from an undisclosed location. He tragically fell to the ground, lying in a pool of blood, prompting local indigenes to rush to the scene and attempt to transport him on a motorcycle to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment. Sadly, upon arrival, medical personnel confirmed his demise.
Meanwhile, Smart Adolor, the timber operator and son of the deceased, was away on a trip to Benin City at the time. He rushed back to the village on a lorry, only to find his dying father being transported on a motorcycle to the hospital, where he was also confirmed dead.
In the aftermath of the devastating incident, the family made concerted efforts to report the series of attacks leading to the alleged murder to the police. However, the perpetrators remain unidentified, leaving the community grappling for justice and safety.
As a result of the relentless threats against the timber operator and his immediate family, including his twin brother, Freeborn Adolor, all family members have reportedly fled from Okomu Ijaw community. Regrettably, the police have been unable to guarantee the safety of life and property, compounding the tragedy of the father’s gruesome murder.
The incident has left a profound impact on the once peaceful Okomu Ijaw community, casting a shadow of fear and uncertainty over its inhabitants as they await justice and resolution.
