Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested 13 suspects in connection with the crisis that erupted after the killing of 23-year-old Chigozie Ifeonu in Ogheghe community, Upper Siluko Road, Benin.

Trouble started on Wednesday night when a youth of Northern extraction was said to have stabbed the deceased over a deal that went sour.

The killing sparked outrage as youths stormed the streets with dangerous weapons in a bid to avenge the killing.
But a statement by Deputy Police Public Relations Officer ASP Eno Ikoedem said that the deceased was rushed to the University of Benin Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

The statement read, “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.

“One male victim, Chigozie Ifeonu ‘m’, aged 23 years, was stabbed in the chest during the disturbance. He was immediately rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital 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.

“Swift response by the Area Commander Ekiadolor Area Command, ACP Garba Umaru, alongside Operation Rescue Teams, and operatives from Ogida Division, and other command tactical teams ensured the immediate restoration of peace and protection of lives and property in the area.

“A total of thirteen (13) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section, State Criminal Investigation Department, Benin City, for discreet investigation.”

The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, commiserated with the family of the deceased and assured the public that justice would be served.

The Police Commissioner appealed to residents of Ogheghe and its environs to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, as the command remains committed to maintaining peace and order across the state.

Meanwhile, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, and drug barons reportedly clashed at Okpuje, Uzeba community, in Owan West Local Government Area, leading to the death of a 16 -years -old boy, identified as Emmanuel Monday George.

Two others, identified as God’spower Omage (20 years) and Ajayi Irobia (54 years), were said to have sustained serious injuries during the gun duel, which reportedly happened on Monday.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, state commander of the NDLEA, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin on Thursday.

Ofoyeju said that one of its officers sustained an injury after being struck on the hand with a sharp object.

The Guardian recalls that Army and NDLEA officers were recently attacked by drug barons in the area.