Metro

Edo Communal Clash Escalates, 22 Feared Killed, Seven Communities Attacked

Published

11 months ago

February 23, 2025

The communal clash in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State escalated Sunday, leading to 22 persons’ deaths, while several others were injured.

The escalated clash resulted in devastating attacks on seven farming communities namely: Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, Kola Village, Taiye Camp, Eto Camp, Dipe Community, Bala Dele Community, and Thousand Community.

Recall that INFO DAILY, while quoting the Edo State Police Command spokesman, Moses Yamu reported that five persons died and four others injured in the clash between cocoa farmers and some alleged produce thieves.

The clash which started on Thursday night escalated on Friday morning as those believed to be sympathetic to the victims of the Thursday night fight, mobilised and launched a counter attack on Friday morning .

But continuing the fight on Sunday, eyewitnesses said the assailants, stormed the settlements early in the morning, wielding firearms and other weapons.

“They came into our community, shooting and burning houses. They killed 15 people, and many more were injured,” said Nafisat Abdulazeez, a resident of Dipe community.

The attackers unleashed terror by shooting indiscriminately, setting houses ablaze, and destroying property, including motorcycles and vehicles.

The onslaught forced residents to flee en masse, abandoning their homes and livelihoods.

Igbala Obazuaye, the head of Marindoti community, who sustained bullet wounds, said the assailants evaded the community around 8 am, killing seven persons in his community alone.

“It started in 1998 when some youths began encroaching on our land, stealing our crops, and kidnapping our people, notwithstanding the payment of the royalties,” he said.

Obazuaye appealed for military protection, the establishment of a local police station, and assistance in rebuilding their communities.

“They burnt cocoa, kola nut, and cash worth more than N20 million,” he added.

The Police in Edo, however, confirmed only seven killed and six injured, saying a preliminary investigation suggested a communal clash.

Joseph Otu refuted the claim that the attack was communal, saying it was an unprovoked attack by militants aiming to extort and terrorize peaceful farmers.

Otu also urged authorities to deploy security forces to safeguard the area, highlighting the communities’ significant contributions to the state’s economy through the cultivation of crops like cocoa, kola nuts, and plantains.

Usman Mukaila of Dipe community lauded the immediate deployment of men of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, calling for the establishment of an Army beat in the area.

“We commend the Commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, for the immediate intervention and deployment of soldiers.

“That has helped to calm the situation for now. If not for him, the rest of the people would have gone. We also thank the governor,” he said.

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

6 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

24 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.