Suspected Herders Invade Okpara, Kokori Communities, Machete Woman to Death, Injure Man

Residents of Okpara Waterside and Kokori communities in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State have been thrown into panic following a deadly attack by suspected herders which left a middle-aged woman dead and a man severely injured.

The deceased, identified simply as Mrs. Helen, was reportedly hacked to death with a machete in the early hours of Wednesday, while another victim, Mr. Edafe Fresh, sustained serious injuries while escaping from the attackers.

Community sources said the incident occurred when the woman had gone out early in the morning in search of cherries before she was allegedly accosted and sexually harassed by the assailants, who later macheted her to death.

Mr. Fresh, according to residents, was also attacked and brutally macheted on the head and other parts of his body but managed to escape. He is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.

Photo collage of Victims of Suspected Herdsmen Attack in Ethiope East

The attack has sparked fear and tension across neighbouring communities, including Okpara Inland, Ovu Inland, Eku and Orhoakpor, with residents expressing concern over rising insecurity in the area.

A community source who spoke on condition of anonymity described the situation as alarming, noting that recent violent incidents had left locals living in perpetual fear.

“The killings have become a nightmare. People are afraid because nobody knows who will be the next victim,” the source said.

Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, for official confirmation were unsuccessful as calls to his mobile line did not connect.