Edo Security Squad Averts Bloodbath in Benin, Restores Peace to Tensed Communities

Benin City — October 31, 2025

Swift intervention by the Edo State Security Squad has averted what could have been a major bloodbath in Benin City, following violent clashes that erupted in Ogheghe and Ohoghobi communities, both in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state.

The crisis, which broke out on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, led to the death of one Chigozie Ifeonu, a young man reportedly killed while attempting to intervene in a fight between two rival groups.

The incident sparked outrage among Ogheghe youths, who took to the streets in protest, vowing to avenge the death of their kinsman.

Upon receiving reports of the unrest, Governor Monday Okpebholo swiftly deployed the Government House Security Team, led by the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Principal Security Officer (PSO), and members of the Edo Special Security Squad, to the affected areas to restore calm and prevent further loss of life.

Simultaneously, the team moved to Ohoghobi community, where aggrieved youths had barricaded the Benin–Sapele Bypass in protest over the alleged release of a suspect accused of attacking Godstime Agbontaen, whose hands were severed in the incident.

Security operatives engaged the protesters in dialogue and assured them that Governor Okpebholo’s administration remains committed to ensuring justice and protecting the lives and property of Edo citizens. Their intervention successfully restored normalcy and reopened the busy highway to traffic.

The security team later paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased in Obagie Community, assuring the bereaved relatives of the government’s determination to ensure justice.

A peace and reconciliation meeting was immediately convened, bringing together key security officials, including the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Agbonika; representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS); traditional leaders; and elders of the Ogheghe and Arewa communities.

During the meeting, Commissioner Agbonika urged residents to collaborate with security agencies to maintain peace and expose criminal elements. He commended both sides for embracing dialogue and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to an impartial investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.

“The people of Ogheghe are known for peaceful coexistence. I urge you to continue on that path and not allow criminal elements to divide you,” he stated.

Spokesman of the Security Squad, Mr Idemudia Noah, confirmed that the situation was initially tense but said the swift deployment of operatives prevented it from escalating. He commended Governor Okpebholo for his proactive leadership and thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation.

Noah emphasised that peace is a prerequisite for community development and assured residents that the perpetrators of the violence will be identified and brought to justice.

The Okhaighele of Ogheghe Community, Mr Johnson Osahen, expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their prompt response, noting that although the deceased was not an indigene, his death had deeply affected the community.

“We thank the government and security agencies for preventing further bloodshed. We have lived peacefully with the Arewa community for years and will continue to uphold that peace,” he said.