Members of a local vigilante group in Esan west local government area of Edo state have shot dead suspected Fulani herdsmen during an exchange of fire.

The Fulani herdsmen were said to have attacked the vigilante group along Uhiele Egoro Na Oka road at about 7.30 pm on Wednesday while on patrol along the road.

Going by an eye witness report, there was an exchange of gunfire between both sides, which left one of the attackers dead.

According to the eye witness who would not want his name in print, the vigilantes successfully repelled the Fulani herdsmen’s attack.

He said that one of the herdsmen was shot dead in the crossfire.

The vigilantes were said to have reported the incident to the Divisional Police Officer, Ekpoma Division who ordered them to write a statement.

Continuing, he said that after writing a statement at the police station, the vigilantes were told to remain at the station till morning to enable the police to visit the scene of the crime with them.

During a visit to the scene, the morning after the shootout by a team of policemen, a double-barrel gun abandoned by the attackers was recovered by the police.

Speaking on his mobile phone, the Edo State Police spokesman, Mr Chidi Nwanbuzor said that he was busy and could not talk. (Nigerian Tribune)