By Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin 

Unknown gunmen on Tuesday stormed Okomu Oil Palm Plc. and attacked seven workers, killing two and injuring five, in a spate of attacks that have left the company apprehensive.

Located at Udo village in Ovia South West local government area of Edo State, Okomu Oil Palm has come under attacks in recent time from angry Ijaw youths, who feel angered at the company’s refusal to ‘settle’ them.

Our source said the miscreants also set ablaze a significant area of the plantation before escaping from the scene.

The source also said some workers had been attacked before but the management kept mute. He also said Tuesday’s incident took place not far from a security base.

“This matter does not concern us. We are just workers but the Ijaw boys always attack us and leave the management staff alone.

The spokesman of the company, Ikponmwosa Osunbor, confirmed the killings and said the hoodlums have been warning the oil firm to leave the land, even though they have not made any demand for money, but rather throwing leaflets into firm asking them to leave.

“They have burnt 300 hectares of matured rubber and oil palms,” Osunbor said, calling on government to detail more security to the plantation, “Government should provide more security for us. Our fear is that it will not turn into a tribal war.”