A swift intervention by the Edo State Security Squad has averted what could have escalated into a major bloodbath in Benin City, following violent clashes that erupted between youths in Ogheghe and Ohoghobi communities, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The unrest, which broke out on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, claimed the life of a young man, Chigozie Ifeonu, who was reportedly killed while attempting to break up a fight between two rival groups.
News of his death sparked outrage among Ogheghe youths, who took to the streets in protest, vowing to avenge their kinsman’s death.
Upon receiving reports of the crisis, 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 violence.
Simultaneously, security operatives also intervened in Ohoghobi community, where angry youths had barricaded the Benin–Sapele Bypass in protest over the alleged release of a suspect accused of attacking Godstime Agbontaen, whose hands were reportedly severed during the incident.
The security team engaged the protesting youths in dialogue, assuring them that Governor Okpebholo’s administration remains committed to justice and the protection of lives and property. Their intervention successfully restored order and reopened the busy highway to traffic.
Following the restoration of peace, the security team visited the family of the deceased in Obagie Community, where they expressed condolences and assured the bereaved relatives that the government would ensure justice is served.
A peace and reconciliation meeting was immediately convened, bringing together key stakeholders, including the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), traditional leaders, and elders from Ogheghe and Arewa communities.
Commissioner Agbonika appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace and exposing criminal elements within their communities. He commended both sides for embracing dialogue and reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to conducting an impartial investigation and prosecuting those found culpable.
“The people of Ogheghe are known for peaceful coexistence. I urge you to remain on that path and not allow criminal elements to divide you,” Agbonika stated.
Speaking to reporters, the spokesman of the Security Squad, Mr. Idemudia Noah, confirmed that the situation had been tense before the swift deployment of operatives helped de-escalate it. He praised Governor Okpebholo for his proactive leadership and thanked community leaders for their cooperation.
“Peace is the foundation of community development. The perpetrators of this violence will be identified and brought to justice,” Noah assured.
Also speaking, the Okhaighele of Ogheghe Community, Mr. Johnson Osahen, expressed gratitude to the government and security agencies for their prompt response, noting that while the deceased was not an indigene, his death 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.
