The Edo State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects following a violent clash that erupted in the Ogheghe community, Upper Siluko Road, Benin City, after the killing of 23-year-old Chigozie Ifeonu.
The unrest, which occurred on Wednesday, reportedly began when a youth of Northern extraction allegedly stabbed Ifeonu to death during a dispute over a failed motorcycle hire purchase deal.
The incident triggered widespread outrage, as angry youths took to the streets wielding dangerous weapons in an attempt to avenge the killing.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said several people of Northern origin sustained injuries during the reprisal attacks, while many others fled the area for safety.
“I can’t say exactly when the deceased was stabbed, but it happened after a disagreement between him and a Hausa youth over a deal that went bad,” the witness recounted. “Many of the Hausa youths who operate commercial motorcycles or do petty trading fled as police fired tear gas to disperse the angry crowd. If not for the police intervention, the situation could have been worse.”
Another resident, identified simply as John, explained that Ifeonu had given a motorcycle to the suspect on hire purchase terms. Trouble reportedly started when the suspect absconded with the bike and relocated to another part of the local government area.
“The deceased tried to recover the motorcycle, but the suspect stabbed him in the chest,” John said.
A viral video shared online on Thursday showed parts of the Hausa settlement in the area engulfed in flames, while two men were seen being beaten by irate youths.
Confirming the incident, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said in a statement that Ifeonu was rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), 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 October 28, 2025, at about 4:45 p.m. One male victim, Chigozie Ifeonu, aged 23, was stabbed in the chest during the disturbance and was confirmed dead at UBTH. His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” the statement read.
It added that the swift intervention of the Area Commander, Ekiadolor, ACP Garba Umaru, alongside operatives from Operation Rescue, Ogida Division, and other tactical units, restored peace and prevented further violence.
“A total of 13 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. The case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation,” the police spokesperson added.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commiserated with the family of the deceased and assured the public that justice would be served.
He also appealed to residents of Ogheghe and surrounding communities to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, reiterating the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and order across the state.
