The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 13 suspects in connection with the violent crisis that erupted in Ogheghe community, along Upper Siluko Road in Benin City, following the killing of 23-year-old Chigozie Ifeonu.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred on Wednesday, October 28, 2025, when a disagreement over a motorcycle hire purchase deal allegedly turned deadly. Ifeonu was reportedly stabbed in the chest by a Hausa youth after attempting to reclaim a motorcycle he had earlier given out on hire purchase.
The killing sparked outrage in the community as angry youths stormed the streets armed with sticks and other dangerous weapons in an attempt to avenge his death. Several people were said to have sustained injuries during the ensuing clash, while others fled the area to avoid being caught in the violence.
An eyewitness told reporters that the confrontation quickly escalated into an ethnic clash between local youths and Hausa residents in the area. Many shops and homes belonging to Hausa traders were reportedly set ablaze, while some individuals were attacked before the arrival of the police.
“I can’t say exactly how the fight started, but I know it was related to a deal gone wrong. The deceased was stabbed, and that led to a serious fight between Benin boys and the Hausa youths,” a source said.
“Policemen came later and fired teargas to scatter the crowd. Without their quick response, the situation would have been much worse.”
A video circulating on social media showed thick smoke rising from the Hausa quarters in Ogheghe, with some youths seen beating two men with planks. The footage has since gone viral, sparking discussions about rising tensions and the need for stronger community relations in the state.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and assured residents that calm had been restored.
“One male victim, Chigozie Ifeonu, aged 23 years, was stabbed in the chest during the disturbance. He was immediately rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where he was unfortunately confirmed dead by a medical doctor. His corpse has been deposited at the UBTH mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” the statement read.
ASP Ikoedem also confirmed that 13 suspects were arrested in connection with the crisis and that the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.
The statement further noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and urged residents of Ogheghe and its environs to remain calm and law-abiding.
He assured the public that the police command is committed to maintaining peace and ensuring that justice is served in the matter.
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