Edo Police arrest 13 suspects after a violent clash in Benin that left one man dead. The Command vows justice and urges residents to remain calm
Edo Police arrest suspects in Benin clash as the Command confirmed that 13 persons have been taken into custody following a violent incident that erupted in Ogheghe community, Upper Siluko Road, Benin City, after the killing of 23-year-old Chigozie Ifeonu.
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The crisis, which broke out on Wednesday, was reportedly triggered by a dispute over a failed motorcycle hire-purchase transaction, leading to Ifeonu being stabbed to death.
His death provoked a wave of outrage, as angry youths armed with weapons took to the streets to avenge the killing.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos as both groups clashed, with many residents sustaining injuries and several others fleeing for safety.
Police operatives were said to have fired teargas to disperse the rampaging youths and prevent further bloodshed.
A resident told reporters that the deceased had given a motorcycle to a Hausa youth on hire purchase, but the suspect allegedly disappeared with it.
When Ifeonu confronted him, the suspect reportedly attacked him with a knife, sparking the violence that followed.
A video circulating online on Thursday showed parts of the Hausa quarters in the area burned, while some youths were seen assaulting two men with planks before police intervened.
Confirming the incident, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the deceased was rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the public that normalcy has been restored to Ogheghe community following the violent incident that occurred on 28 October 2025,”
the statement read.
According to Ikoedem, swift action by the Area Commander, ACP Garba Umaru, and the Operation Rescue Teams ensured the restoration of peace and the protection of lives and property in the area.
“A total of thirteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State CID for discreet investigation,” the police spokesperson added.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and vowed that justice would be served.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the Command was fully committed to maintaining peace and public order across the state.
“We urge all residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to cooperate with the police as we continue to investigate this tragic incident,” Agbonika said.
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The police reaffirmed that all those found culpable in the Benin clash would face prosecution, as investigations continue into the circumstances leading to Ifeonu’s death.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
