Police in Edo State have arrested 13 suspects after a deadly clash in Ogheghe community, Benin City.
The v!olence erupted when 23-year-old Chigozie Ifeonu was stabbed during a business dispute.
The Edo State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects following a v!olent clash that erupted after the k!lling of a 23-year-old man, Chigozie Ifeonu, in the Ogheghe community along Upper Siluko Road, Benin City.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, reportedly started after Ifeonu was stabbed during a dispute linked to a failed business deal.
According to reports, his death triggered chaos as angry youths took to the streets with dangerous weapons in an attempt to avenge the k!lling. Policemen were later deployed to restore order as teargas was fired to disperse the crowd.
An eyewitness said the clash between rival groups escalated rapidly, leaving many people injured as others ran for safety.
The witness said several Hausa residents, including motorcycle riders and traders, deserted the streets for fear of reprisal attacks. “If not for the police intervention, the situation would have been worse,” he added.
Another source claimed that the fight began after the deceased tried to retrieve a motorcycle he had given to a Hausa youth on hire purchase. The suspect allegedly fled with the bike and stabbed Ifeonu when he confronted him.
Confirming the incident, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the victim was taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
In a statement, she said:
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that normalcy has been restored to Ogheghe community following a v!olent incident that occurred on October 28, 2025. One male victim, Chigozie Ifeonu, aged 23, was stabbed in the chest and was confirmed dead by a medical doctor at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.”
She added that a combined team of police officers from various units responded swiftly to restore peace and prevent further v!olence.
According to the statement, 13 suspects have been arrested, and the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Benin for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commiserated with the family of the deceased and assured that justice will be served. He also urged residents of Ogheghe and nearby areas to remain calm and law-abiding as the investigation continues.
