A leadership tussle in Iyanomo, a community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, has led to the death of two persons.
The victims, identified as Eboh Enomwa and Stephen Imaghodo, were reportedly killed last week during a clash between two rival factions over control of the community.
In a statement on Monday, Fred Itua, spokesperson for Governor Monday Okpebholo, said the state government has launched a full-scale investigation into the killings. He assured that those behind the violence would be brought to justice, “no matter how highly placed in society.”
According to him, the probe—codenamed Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers—is being coordinated by the Edo State Special Security Squad in collaboration with security agencies and community leaders.
The squad, led by the governor’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), CSP Osaro Roberts, and Principal Security Officer, Okoh Saturday, visited the troubled community at the weekend to ascertain the circumstances of the killings.
The statement quoted the Secretary of the Special Security Squad, Barr. John Izegaebe, as condemning the incident and reaffirming government’s determination to end cultism, kidnapping, and communal clashes in the state.
“Our findings so far point to a leadership tussle between two rival factions in Iyanomo, which degenerated into violence and ultimately claimed the lives of two men,” the statement said. “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.”
The government also warned that disputes in Edo communities must be resolved legally and not through violence, stressing that anyone who foments unrest would face the full weight of the law.
