Edo State Police Command has detained eight suspects linked to the killing of a site engineer, Efe Ogbeide, amid a leadership crisis in Obazagbon community, Benin.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed the arrests on Thursday, identifying Joshua Edo, the Chairman of the community youths, as the prime suspect.
Other suspects include Obayuwana Happy, Uhunwangho Everest, Chidera Umeh, Simon Benjamin, Odion Adagbonyin, Kennedy Ohro, and Osayi Adagbonyin.
Yamu stated that officers from the Iyekogba Division’s Operation Rescue and Anti-Kidnapping Unit apprehended the suspects at different locations.
The crisis reportedly stemmed from disputes over the positions of Chairman and traditional leader (Okiaghele), leading to multiple deaths and extensive property damage.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Isokpan, condemned the violence and assured the public that all perpetrators would face justice.
The killing of Ogbeide, who was deaf, sparked protests from civil society groups, including the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) and the Edo State Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO).
NAPVID Executive Director, Melody Omosha, described the deceased as a hardworking individual and raised concerns that he may not have heard warnings before being attacked.
The groups demanded justice and better protection for persons with disabilities.
The police assured residents of their commitment to maintaining law and order, while civil society groups continued to push for justice and security reforms.
Edo police arrest eight over murder of hearing impaired engineer
