Our reporter
Two individuals have been fatally shot following a long-standing leadership conflict between rival youth factions in Iguikpe Community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, the police have confirmed.
The Edo State Police Command, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, CSP Moses Joel, identified the victims as Victor Ogierioba and Efe Agbaoghogho. According to the statement, both men sustained severe gunshot wounds during the violent confrontation, with Agbaoghogho suffering fatal injuries to the stomach.
Providing further details, CSP Joel stated: “On 28th February 2025 at approximately 16:00 hours, the Command received a distress report that Edobor Edwin, a former Okiaghele (youth leader) of Iguikpe Community, led a group of armed thugs into the area, firing indiscriminately. The attack resulted in the death of the current Okiaghele, Victor Ogierioba, and one Efe Agbaoghogho, who suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the stomach and face.”
In response, operatives from Iyekogba Division, supported by the Operation Rescue team, swiftly intervened and arrested two suspects, including the alleged mastermind, Edobor Edwin, and another individual identified only as Osato.
The police assured residents that normalcy has been restored in the community, with efforts ongoing to apprehend other suspects who fled the scene.
Meanwhile, Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Isokpan Otimenyin, has vowed to crack down on criminal elements across the State. She has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a thorough inquiry.
Condemning the act of violence, CP Otimenyin urged residents to seek lawful means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to bloodshed. “The police will no longer tolerate lawlessness in the State. I urge all members of the community to remain calm and go about their activities without fear,” she stated.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited in a mortuary, while grieving families and residents of Iguikpe Community remain on edge, fearing further unrest.
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