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, 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 triggered an outrage among Ogheghe youths, who took to the streets in protest, vowing to avenge the death of their kinsman.
A statement press statement by the State government on Friday said Governor Monday Okpebholo, upon receiving reports of the unrest, 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 intervened in Ohoghobi community, where aggrieved youths had barricaded the Benin–Sapele Bypass in protest over the alleged release of a suspect accused of attacking one Godstime Agbontaen, whose hands were severed in the incident.
“Security operatives engaged the enraged youths in a dialogue and assured them that Governor Okpebholo’s administration remains committed to ensuring justice and safeguarding 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, where they assured the bereaved relatives of the government’s determination to ensure that justice is served,” the statement said.
It added that a peace and reconciliation meeting was immediately convened, bringing together key security officials, including the State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), traditional leaders, and elders of Ogheghe and Arewa communities.
At 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 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,” the police commissioner was quoted as saying at the meeting.
Spokesman of the Security Squad, Mr. Idemudia Noah, who confirmed that the situation was initially tense, said the swift deployment of security operatives prevented the escalation.
He commended Governor Okpebholo for his proactive leadership and thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation.
He emphasised that peace is a prerequisite for community development and assured that the perpetrators of the violence will be identified and brought to justice.
Okhaighele of Ogheghe Community, Mr. Johnson Osahen expressed appreciation to 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 stated.
