A communal clash in Edo State has left seven people dead and six others injured, according to the Edo State Police Command.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, revealed that the incident occurred on February 21 between the Gbelemonti and Maidoti communities in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
Yamu stated that upon receiving a distress call about the ongoing conflict, operatives from the Iguobazuwa Police Division, along with personnel from the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, were swiftly dispatched to the scene.
“The team evacuated some casualties to the hospital where seven (7) persons were confirmed dead while six (6) injured ones are currently receiving treatment.
The joint operation is sustained as the situation has been brought under control and normalcy restored,” Yamu stated.
Chief Superintendent of Police Moses Yamu confirmed that the Edo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the causes of the communal clash.
He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has pledged to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Describing the clash as avoidable, Yamu emphasized that the CP has urged the public to address grievances through appropriate channels rather than resorting to self-help or violence.
See the full statement below:
UPDATE ON COMMUNAL CLASH IN OVIA NORTH EAST LGA
– *Normalcy restored as investigation commenced
On 21/02/2025 at about 1000hrs, the Command received a distress call of an ongoing clash between Gbelemonti and Maidoti Communities of Ovia North East LGA.
Operatives of the Iguobazuwa Police Division, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Vigilantes, were promptly deployed to the area. The team evacuated some casualties to the hospital where seven (7) persons were confirmed dead while six (6) injured ones are currently receiving treatment.
The joint operation is sustained as the situation has been brought under control and normalcy restored.
However, investigation into the cause of the clash has equally commenced.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, psc, mnips has vowed that no stone would be left unturned in order to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate and avoidable incident and warned members of the public to always channel their grievances to the appropriate authority, rather than taking laws i to their hands.
CSP MOSES JOEL YAMU, anipr
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
EDO STATE COMMAND