BENIN: What could have spiraled into a full-scale communal crisis in Benin City was swiftly contained on Tuesday, as operatives of the Edo State Security Squad intervened to restore order in Ogheghe and Ohoghobi communities, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The intervention followed violent clashes that left one person, Chigozie Ifeonu, dead after he was reportedly caught in the middle of a fight between two rival groups. His death sparked outrage among Ogheghe youths, who took to the streets in protest, demanding justice and threatening reprisals.
Acting on the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Government House Security Team—led by the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Principal Security Officer (PSO), and members of the Edo Special Security Squad—was immediately deployed to the troubled areas to forestall further violence.
The team also moved into Ohoghobi, where another group of youths had barricaded the Benin–Sapele Bypass to protest the alleged release of a suspect accused of attacking one Godstime Agbontaen, whose hands were severed during the altercation.
Security operatives engaged the aggrieved protesters in dialogue, assuring them that the Okpebholo administration was committed to justice and peace. Their efforts calmed tensions, reopened the busy highway to traffic, and restored normalcy to the affected areas.
Later, the squad visited the family of the deceased in Obagie Community, where they extended the government’s condolences and pledged that justice would be done.
To consolidate peace, a reconciliation meeting was convened with key stakeholders, including the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, Department of State Services (DSS) officials, traditional rulers, and community elders.
Commissioner Agbonika urged residents to maintain calm and work with security agencies to expose troublemakers.
“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,” he said.
Spokesman of the Security Squad, Mr. Idemudia Noah, said the situation was initially tense but was contained through swift and coordinated action.
“The governor’s proactive leadership was instrumental in preventing escalation. We commend all stakeholders for their cooperation and assure that perpetrators of the violence will face justice,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Okhaighele of Ogheghe Community, Mr. Johnson Osahen, appreciated the government and security operatives for averting further tragedy.
“We thank the government and security agencies for their quick response. Though the deceased was not an indigene, his death deeply affected our community. We have coexisted peacefully with the Arewa people and will continue to uphold that peace,” he said.
With the situation fully under control, authorities have reinforced security presence in the affected communities to prevent any resurgence of violence.
