The Edo State Police Command, on Thursday, said its operatives have arrested 13 suspects in connection with the crisis that erupted after the killing of a 23-year-old man, Chigozie Ifeonu, in Ogheghe community, in Upper Siluko Road, Benin.

The clash, which occurred on Wednesday, reportedly began after the deceased was allegedly stabbed following a dispute over a failed transaction.

The killing sparked outrage as angry youths stormed the streets with dangerous weapons in a bid to avenge Ifeonu’s death.

An eyewitness said many of the youths sustained injuries in a reprisal attack while others fled for safety as policemen fired teargas canisters to disperse the crowd.

The source said, “I can’t really say how the deceased was stabbed to death by the Hausa youth over a deal that went wrong, but I can confirm that it triggered a clash between Benin boys and the Hausa youths.

“Many of the Hausa youths who ride Okada, do petty trading, or clear land for landowners were off the streets. Some of them had to abandon their businesses for fear of being lynched.

“Policemen who were deployed to the area fired teargas to disperse the angry youths. If not for police intervention, the situation would have been worse.”

Another source said the deceased had given a motorcycle to the Hausa youth on hire purchase, but the suspect allegedly bolted with the bike and relocated to another part of the local government area.

The source added, “The Hausa boy stabbed Ifeonu when he (the deceased) tried to reclaim the motorcycle he gave to him on hire purchase. It’s unfortunate that this happened.”

A video circulating on Thursday showed that the Hausa quarters in the area had been burnt down, while some youths were seen beating two Hausa men with planks.

However, the police, in a statement released by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the deceased was rushed to the University of Benin Teaching 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 1645hrs.

“One male victim, Chigozie Ifeonu, 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, operatives from Ogida Division, and other command tactical units ensured the immediate restoration of peace and protection of lives and property in the area.

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

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

He appealed to residents of Ogheghe and its environs to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, assuring that the Command remains committed to maintaining peace and order across the state. (The PUNCH)