A man identified as Courage, popularly known as “Dogo,” has been reportedly killed at Eboh Quarters, Estate Gate, Irhirhi in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin, Edo State.

The Secretary of the Edo State Special Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele, on Sunday.

Izegaegbe said the governor directed the special squad to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the killing are fully investigated.

According to him, the squad received a distress call at about 6:13 a.m. on Friday reporting a killing in the community. Upon arrival, operatives confirmed that the victim had been killed.

John clarified that, contrary to initial speculation, the incident was not cult-related but arose from a dispute over park ticketing activities.

He explained that although the Edo State Government had banned certain ticketing operations, the deceased was allegedly involved in illegal ticketing and was accused of failing to appropriately share proceeds.

The disagreement reportedly led to a conspiracy which resulted in his death.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a 9mm Beretta pistol was used in the attack, with cartridges recovered at the scene.

The killing also reportedly triggered a reprisal attack at Wire Road by individuals who mistakenly believed certain persons were responsible.

Several suspects have been arrested and are providing information that may lead to additional arrests.

“The reported killing of Courage, known as Dogo, in Irhirhi led to intensive operations during the weekend. Following the incident, the Governor gave us a marching order to get to the root of the matter,” John said.

“After the preliminary investigation on Friday, we carried out intensive operations on Saturday. We must stress that it is not a cult killing. Investigations are ongoing,” he added.

During the operations, the security team discovered firearms in an abandoned vehicle in Irhirhi, off Airport Road.

“We moved into town as early as 6 a.m. and combed the length and breadth of Benin metropolis. For the first time, we recovered a K2 Army magazine loaded with live ammunition inside a vehicle. All occupants fled, but we recovered the vehicle and the K2 magazine,” John said.

Reaffirming the state government’s stance against cultism and kidnapping, John assured residents that the Special Security Squad remains fully committed to maintaining law and order.

He urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information, stressing that the situation is under control and that decisive action will be taken against those found culpable.

In a related development, Edo State assured residents that a police officer abducted alongside his daughter on February 8 would be rescued.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, gave the assurance while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Benin on Friday.

He noted that efforts are underway to ensure both victims regain their freedom unharmed.

The CP also said that two other victims kidnapped in Makeke, Akoko Edo Local Government Area, on the same day would also be rescued, although operational details could not be disclosed. (Sunday PUNCH)