Benin Tense as 13 Arrested over Youth’s Killing, Police Restore Calm
Tension gripped parts of Benin City on Wednesday following the killing of a 23-year-old man, Chigozie Ifeonu, which sparked violent clashes in Ogheghe community, Upper Siluko Road.
The Edo State Police Command has since arrested 13 suspects linked to the incident and restored order to the area.
According to reports, the violence broke out after a youth of Northern extraction allegedly stabbed Ifeonu during a dispute that turned violent.
The confrontation, said to be over a failed deal, quickly escalated as angry youths stormed the streets wielding dangerous weapons in retaliation.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Thursday, noting that Police operatives responded swiftly to prevent further unrest.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that normalcy has been restored to Ogheghe Community, Upper Siluko Road, Benin City, following a violent incident that occurred on 28th October 2025, at about 1645 hrs,” the statement read.
“One male victim, Chigozie Ifeonu, aged 23, was stabbed in the chest during the disturbance. He was immediately rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for medical attention, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
His corpse has since been deposited at the UBTH mortuary for preservation and autopsy.”
ASP Ikoedem added that the quick intervention of the Area Commander, Ekiadolor Area Command, ACP Garba Umaru, alongside Operation Rescue Teams, Ogida Division operatives, and other tactical units, helped to restore peace and protect lives and property in the area.
The 13 arrested suspects are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Benin, where the Homicide Section has commenced a discreet investigation into the killing and the ensuing riot.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, in his reaction, commiserated with the bereaved family and assured that justice would be served. He also appealed to residents of Ogheghe and surrounding communities to remain calm and law-abiding.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property. We urge residents to cooperate with law enforcement officers as investigations continue,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, violence also erupted in Okpuje, Uzeba, Owan West Local Government Area of the State, following a gun duel between National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives and suspected drug traffickers.
The clash led to the death of a 16-year-old boy, identified as Emmanuel Monday George, while two others — God’spower Omage (20) and Ajayi Irobia (54) — sustained serious injuries.
Confirming the incident, Edo NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said one of the agency’s officers was also injured during the confrontation after being struck on the hand with a sharp object.
Ofoyeju disclosed that the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on drug networks operating in the area, adding that recent attacks on security agents by drug barons would not deter the Agency’s efforts.
Security operatives have since intensified patrols and intelligence operations across Edo communities to prevent a recurrence of such violent incidents.
