Two men were killed in Iyanomo community, Edo State, following a leadership tussle. Governor Okpebholo vows justice as security operatives launch probe.
A tragic leadership tussle in Iyanomo community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, has led to the death of two men, heightening tension among residents and raising concerns over the recurring spate of communal clashes in the state.
The victims, identified as Eboh Enomwa and Stephen Imaghodo, lost their lives after a disagreement between rival factions in the community degenerated into violence.
The killings, which occurred in the heart of the community, have thrown families into mourning and unsettled the usually peaceful settlement.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed sadness over the loss of lives and strongly condemned the violence.
He vowed that the state government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators were apprehended and prosecuted according to the law.
“The killing of two indigenes of Iyanomo over leadership rivalry is totally unacceptable.
“The government has already directed a full-scale investigation into the matter, and I assure you that justice will be served without fear or favour,” he said.
The Governor’s message was conveyed through the Special Security Squad of Edo State, known as Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers.
A delegation comprising the Government House Chief Security Officer, CSP Osaro Roberts, and the Principal Security Officer to the Governor, Okoh Saturday, visited Iyanomo to engage directly with community members and ascertain the true circumstances surrounding the killings.
Addressing the elders and youths during the visit, the Secretary of the Special Security Squad, Barrister John Izegaebe, emphasized that the state government is committed to eradicating all forms of violent crime, including cultism, kidnapping, and communal clashes, which have been sources of instability across Edo communities.
According to Izegaebe, preliminary investigations revealed that the clash was rooted in a leadership dispute between two rival factions.
What started as disagreements over community leadership escalated into violent confrontation, resulting in the loss of two innocent lives.
“Our findings so far point to a leadership tussle in Iyanomo, which degenerated into violence and ultimately claimed the lives of two men. This is unacceptable.
“The Governor has directed us to ensure that all those involved in this heinous act are identified, arrested, and prosecuted. No one is above the law,” he stated.
He further assured that Governor Okpebholo has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to crime and that those behind the killings, regardless of their influence or status, will face the full wrath of the law.
The government extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, promising that justice would not only be done but also be seen to be done.
Izegaebe urged community leaders across Edo State to embrace dialogue, legal processes, and peaceful resolution of disputes instead of resorting to violence.
“The government is sending a strong message to all communities in Edo: disputes must be resolved legally, not through bloodshed. Violence will never be tolerated under Governor Okpebholo’s administration,” he added.
In the wake of the killings, residents of Iyanomo have appealed to the Edo State Government to increase security presence in the community to forestall further violence.
They noted that the leadership crisis, if not swiftly resolved, could lead to reprisal attacks and deepen divisions within the community.
Community elders also called on the state to institute a lasting conflict-resolution mechanism that would help address leadership disputes in rural communities before they escalate into deadly confrontations.
