At least seven people have lost their lives and six others sustained injuries following a violent clash between cocoa farmers and suspected produce thieves in the Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The conflict, which erupted last Thursday at Madotti farm camp, escalated over the weekend as gunmen launched attacks on seven farm settlements within the area.
Police authorities confirmed the death toll as of Sunday night, though local residents fear the actual number could be higher.
The affected communities, comprising farmers from diverse ethnic backgrounds including Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Benin, include Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, Kola Village, Taiye Camp, Eto Camp, Dipe Community, Bala Dele Community, and Thousand Community.
Confirming the incident, CSP Moses Yamu, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, disclosed that the clash prompted a swift response from security operatives.
“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,” Yamu stated.
Security forces, including personnel from the Iguobazuwa Police Division, Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes, were promptly deployed to the area.
They successfully evacuated casualties to nearby medical facilities, where seven individuals were pronounced dead. Six others are currently undergoing treatment for various injuries sustained during the unrest.
“The joint security operation has effectively restored calm to the area,” Yamu reassured. He further emphasized that investigations into the root cause of the clash are already underway.
In her response, Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, expressed determination to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“No stone will be left unturned in order to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate and avoidable incident,” CP Otimenyin affirmed.
She also cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands, urging them to utilize official channels for conflict resolution.
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